He led Philippine forces first against Spain in the Philippine Revolution (1896–1898), then in the Spanish–American War (1898), and finally against the United States during the Philippine–American War (1899–1901). Aguinaldo spearheaded a revolution against the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines. He cooperated with the United States during the Spanish-American War, having seen the possibility that the Philippines might achieve its independence. However, the Americans had other ideas in mind, hoping that Aguinaldo might lend his troops to their conflict against Spain.

When it became clear to Aguinaldo that the Americans had no intention of liberating the islands, he and his troops remained apart from the US forces. On January 23, 1899, following the meetings of a constitutional convention, Aguinaldo was sworn in as President of the First Philippine Republic. Unsurprisingly, the US did not recognize Aguinaldo’s authority. On February 4, 1899 (only two days before the ratification of the Treaty of Paris where Spain would relinquish all of its territories to the US), Aguinaldo declared war on the US, sparking the Philippine-American War.

Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans on March 23, 1901. Following his capture, he agreed to swear allegiance to the US and left public life. The Americans officially declared the end of the war on July 2, 1902.

Aguinaldo’s dream of Philippine independence came true when it was granted on July 4, 1946.