Early Life
Emilio Aguinaldo was born on March 22, 1869, Kawit, Cavite, Philippines. He was the seventh child born out of eight children. His father died when he was only nine years old. After that his widowed mother sent him to attend public schools in Manila. He then Graduated at the University of Santo Thomas in Manila and returned home afterward. When he got home he saw the frustration the Filipino people have with the colonial Spanish rule.
In 1895, Aguinaldo eagerly joined a resistance group lead by Andres Bonifacio. They were determined to fight in order to throw off Spanish rule in Philippines.
In 1895, Aguinaldo eagerly joined a resistance group lead by Andres Bonifacio. They were determined to fight in order to throw off Spanish rule in Philippines.
Independence From Spain
Aguinaldo was elected to be the new revolutionary leader in 1897 and assumed leadership of the revolution against Spain. Later that year, he made arrangements to assist the United States against Spain. In 1898, he returned to Philippines to, after his exile in Hong Kong and resume his revolution. On June 12, 1898, Philippines declares their independence from Spain when U.S captures the city of Manila. After that, Emilio Aguinaldo became the first president of the new republic of Philippines.
Tensions with the U.S
The United States was not happy with Philippines declaring their independence because of the Treaty of Paris. It states that Spain was to turn over Guam, Puerto Rico, and Philippines to become United States territory. Tensions began and continued to grow between the Americans and Filipinos. On January 22, 1899, the Malolos Constitution declared Philippines as a independent republic.
However on February 4, 1899, an unfortunate incident happened where a U.S sentry killed a Filipino soldier when trying to annex the country which sparked the Philippine-American War. Aguinaldo immediately declared a proclamation of war against the United States after that. At first Aguinaldo tried to fight a conventional war against the U.S but it cost him many lives. Filipinos resorted to guerrilla warfare which resulted as one of the deadliest and bloodiest wars in American history. However even with guerrilla tactics Aguinaldo knew this war was a lost cause. He then quotes, "I saw my own soldiers die without affecting future events."
After three years of brutal fighting the war finally came to an end. On March 23, 1901, Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by General Frederick Funston. Later he swore an oath of allegiance to the United States on April 19, 1901, and declared peace. Soon the United States supported Philippine's independence, friendly relations soon returned afterward.
Aguinaldo spent a private life as a farmer but he never forgot his men that fought alongside him. He honored them by establishing the Veterans of the Revolution, an organization that helped arrange their pensions and helped arrange affordable payment plans for land purchases. Emilio Aguinaldo tried politics one last time and ran for presidency but lost to Manuel Quezon in 1935. In 1950, he became a presidential adviser on Council of State.
However on February 4, 1899, an unfortunate incident happened where a U.S sentry killed a Filipino soldier when trying to annex the country which sparked the Philippine-American War. Aguinaldo immediately declared a proclamation of war against the United States after that. At first Aguinaldo tried to fight a conventional war against the U.S but it cost him many lives. Filipinos resorted to guerrilla warfare which resulted as one of the deadliest and bloodiest wars in American history. However even with guerrilla tactics Aguinaldo knew this war was a lost cause. He then quotes, "I saw my own soldiers die without affecting future events."
After three years of brutal fighting the war finally came to an end. On March 23, 1901, Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by General Frederick Funston. Later he swore an oath of allegiance to the United States on April 19, 1901, and declared peace. Soon the United States supported Philippine's independence, friendly relations soon returned afterward.
Aguinaldo spent a private life as a farmer but he never forgot his men that fought alongside him. He honored them by establishing the Veterans of the Revolution, an organization that helped arrange their pensions and helped arrange affordable payment plans for land purchases. Emilio Aguinaldo tried politics one last time and ran for presidency but lost to Manuel Quezon in 1935. In 1950, he became a presidential adviser on Council of State.
Death
He died of a heart attack at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Quezon City, Philippines, on February 6, 1964.