The United States' involvement in the Philippines is confusing. But they first arrived in 1898 and had economic and strategic interests in the Philippines. During this time, Spanish colonialism was being weakened by revolts in Cuba and the Philippines, which happened to be their largest remaining colonies. After the United States helped the Philippines defeat the Spanish, Filipino revolutionaries had hoped the United States would assist them rather than rule them like the Spanish. The United States used this to their advantage; they set up a local governance using a guy named Emilio Aguinaldo. Who was a revolutionary leader who was exiled from the Philippines by the Spanish. The United States returned him and put him in the limelight, making it seem like the Philippines had control. However, the United States used him as a puppet to further its economic and defense strategies and avoid recognition. During this time, Spain and the United States negotiated the status of the Philippines without Filipino consultation. They negotiated something called the "Treaty of Paris". Which granted the United States "Sovereignty" over the Philippines for $20 Million. 

The U.S. eventually established a colonial government, promoting infrastructure development, public education, and economic reforms. However, American rule was often marked by racial discrimination and suppression of nationalist movements. The Philippines remained under U.S. control until 1946. When it finally gained full independence after World War II. The legacy of colonization left deep cultural and political ties but also lingering issues of inequality and dependency.