The Department of Defense is America's oldest and largest government agency, tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times. Learn about key moments in history where the United States military played a significant role in shaping global events. One such instance is the often overlooked Philippine-American War that took place in the early 20th century.
WASHINGTON -- War! That was the headline screaming from newspapers around the country on April 6, 1917, as the United States declared war on the German Empire during World War I. While this conflict is well-documented and remembered in history books, another war that occurred around the same time often goes unnoticed - the Philippine-American War.
The Philippine-American War took place from 1899 to 1902, shortly after the United States had acquired the Philippines from Spain as part of the Treaty of Paris that ended the Spanish-American War. What started as a struggle for independence by Filipino revolutionaries against Spanish colonial rule quickly turned into a bloody conflict with American forces.
Imperialism, nationalistic pride, and mutual alliances all played a part in building tensions that would erupt into war. The United States sought to establish itself as a global power, while the Filipinos fought for their sovereignty and independence. The clash of these opposing interests led to a brutal and protracted conflict that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Filipino civilians and soldiers.
Military technology has always shaped and defined how wars were fought. The First World War saw a breadth and scale of technological innovation that revolutionized warfare. Similarly, the Philippine-American War witnessed the use of new weapons and tactics by American forces, such as the Gatling gun and concentration camps, to suppress Filipino resistance.
Despite the overwhelming firepower and resources of the United States military, Filipino guerrilla fighters continued to resist American occupation for years. The conflict left a lasting impact on both nations, shaping the course of Philippine-American relations for decades to come.
If America has another civil war, it is more likely to be a war within the states than between them. Citizens of any state, regardless of size, must remember the lessons of history and strive to uphold democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Today, there are more than 18 million living veterans in the United States, representing about 6% of the country's adult population. Many of these veterans have served in conflicts that are often overlooked or forgotten in mainstream narratives of American history.
Howell Raines, a former executive editor of the New York Times, is the author of “Silent Cavalry: How Union Soldiers from Alabama Helped Shape America.” In his book, Raines sheds light on the experiences of soldiers who fought in lesser-known conflicts, such as the Philippine-American War, and examines their impact on the nation's history.
Many of America's wars have been pondered, commemorated, and mythologized. Here are seven wars, actions, and interventions that are less celebrated but equally significant in shaping the country's identity and role in the world.
