Thread by @indiohistorian

#TodayinHistory in 1899, amidst months of tension bet Filipino & American forces, the Philippine-American War broke out when U.S. Pvt. William Grayson fired on Filipino sentries at 8pm without provocation at Blockhouse 7 (now Sociego cor. Silencio Sts. Sampaloc, Manila) . THREAD.

Adviser & 1st head of Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo's cabinet, Apolinario Mabini, have long been suspicious of the hidden intentions of U.S. presence in #PH upon Aguinaldo's Philippine independence proclamation on 12 June 1898.

https://twitter.com/indiohistorian/status/1262695765291364352?s=20

All suspicions were confirmed when, upon Spanish defeat in Manila Bay & subsequent surrender of Intramuros in Aug 1898, Filipinos were prohibited by the Americans to enter & take the city. #PH revo gov moved its capital to Malolos as more US troops arrived

https://twitter.com/indiohistorian/status/1293860963293118464?s=20

As peace negotiations bet. Spain & U.S. commenced, the republic sought to have its legitimacy recognized. It formed its diplomatic corp in HK, sent its ambassadors to Japan, U.S., & Europe, & called on the 2 powers give them a seat in the discussion. They were denied.

Tensions rose. In Dec 1898, it was further inflamed w/ news in that Spain had ceded all its Pacific territories to the U.S., w/ PH sold to US for $20M. Furthermore, Gen. Elwell Otis also announced #PH's "Benevolent Assimilation" to the U.S. on 5 Jan 1899.

https://twitter.com/indiohistorian/status/1336997376947494917?s=20

Nevertheless, on 23 Jan 1899, after having promulgated a democratic constitution by elected & appointed representatives of the people, the First #PH Republic was inaugurated in Malolos, recognized by Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas, & parts of Mindanao.

https://twitter.com/indiohistorian/status/955785861865418752?s=20

On the night of the conflict, Filipino forces were divided into 4 zones of jurisdiction. They have been pushed back far from Intramuros. The Americans made the surrounding blockhouses of 26 km around Intramuros as defense line. Communications were strained bet the 2 forces.

#OnThisDay at approx. 8pm, Pvt. William Grayson of Nebraska Volunteers commanded two approaching Filipino sentries to stop but they never did. Grayson fired instantly killing Corporal Anastacio Felix of 4th Company of Morong Battalion under Capt. Serapio Narvaez.

An exchange of fire ensued as Filipinos retaliated & Americans went on to attack Filipino troops. The nxt day, a full offensive vs. Filipinos commenced. Two days later, the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris that ceded PH to the U.S.

7 days later, U.S. Gen. Marcus Miller had U.S. troops subdue Iloilo, w/ Filipino forces on the retreat. U.S. troops also landed in Cebu a wk later. Cebuanos appealed via a memorial but was ignored.

https://twitter.com/indiohistorian/status/1315968589401190400?s=20

The Philippine-American War lasted until 1902, but resistance remained well into the 1st decade of American occupation of #PH. Meanwhile surrendered Filipino leaders resolutely campaigned for independence until this was achieved in 1946.

Photos:
- "Battle of Paceo (Manila) Feb 4 & 5 1899" by Kurz & Allison, undated, from @librarycongress
- Filipino Central Committee in Hong Kong, Harper's Weekly, c. 1898
- Pvt. William W. Grayson, portrait, from Arnaldo Dumindin
- San Francisco Call, Vol 85 No 69, 7 Feb 1899

For @subselfie. @jmnualla @tonitiemsin