A Short History of Conflict in the Philippines

Archaeologists have uncovered ancient remains in the Philippines that proves the indigenous people arrived at least 30,000 years ago. These people more commonly now referred to as "Indios", are truly a fascinating tribe. The descendants today have retained much of their culture and are still allocated sizable reservations, in the same way as Native Americans today in the U.S. The Philippines has a long and distinguished history of fighting different colonial powers and invaders for the better part of the last millennium.

Land of Conflict

The Philippines strategic location caught the attention of various colonial and world powers, the country has had Spanish, British, Japanese and of course American rulers throughout its short History.

Spain

By far the most successful invasion was the longevity of the Spanish. 1542 was the year when a Spanish military party claims islands for Spain; named them "Philippines" after Prince Philip, who later became King Philip II of Spain; Philippines then officially becomes part of Spanish Empire. The Spanish did not leave until the year 1899.The Spanish invaders imposed a strict feudal system and Roman Catholicism, but were never able to bring the entire country under their full control, due to persistent resistance by Muslim and indigenous fighters.

Britain - The Accidental Takeover.

Spain's entry into the war in the European and North American greatly angered the UK. Britain retaliated by launching two surprise assaults to capture the Spanish colonies of the Philippines and Cuba. Using British troops in India. General Draper, initiated a plan for the invasion of the Philippines, and he was appointed in June 1762 to lead it. The plan was quickly put in motion with utmost secrecy to ensure to catch the Spanish unawares. Although, initially successful, the Philippines was given back to Spain by treaty and was only part of the British Empire for 7 years.

America - The Emerging Power Flexes it's Muscle