TOW #21 - "President McKinley Gives His Reasons for Keeping the Philippines"

President McKinley 1903

When President McKinley decided to keep the Philippines during the year 1903, a heated debate arose throughout the country. Although the concept of imperialism was something that had been often considered part of the American tradition, the conquering of the Philippines was particular in that they were not granted the liberty and freedom other islands had received. President McKinley's pro-imperialists beliefs  primarily surrounded the idea that there was no alternative options because economically, diplomatically, and socially the U.S. was pushed in a corner. Realizing how sensitive and controversial the matter of the Philippines would be, he attempted to sway the public with his opinions in this speech by utilizing religious appeal and lists.

President McKinley heavily stressed the importance of helping out the natives. He makes many religious references and even goes as far as to say that after many restless days of contemplating the issue of the Philippines, God reached out to him and gave him guidance. This was a very relevant and effective way of swaying the public because many people during this time were very religious and very Christian. Henceforth, if God said it was okay to take the Philippines than it must be an honorable deed. He also makes it appear as though America was doing the Philippines a favor by attempting to uplift, educate and Christianize the natives by god’s grace. In his speech he even compares their plight of educating the natives to how "[their] fellowmen for whom Christ also died." Pro-expansionists often used this argument to justify their imperialism of the Philippines. This idea of the American godly-duty was well bought by the crowd, especially in the early days of imperialism.

President McKinley also utilized lists to make a more logical argument for imperialism. During this time period, there were several movements that fought adamantly against imperialism and questioned the extent on which they were acting for the welfare of others. McKinley likely felt that the best way to fight back against the backlash was to provide an argument, which is why he listed his reasons for keeping the Philippines. McKinley reasons that because returning the Philippines "would be bad business and discreditable" and "cowardly and dishonorable." He even mentions that they were "unfit for self-government--and they would soon have anarchy and misrule" if the Americans did not intervene. Although in current times it appears to be an absurdly egocentric thing to say, with the rise of Social Darwinism at the time it was a very valid argument that he made to his people. The idea of helping to unburden the islands and conforming them to American ideals to make them just like the Americans appealed to many, which is exactly why the Philippines were kept.

President McKinley was extremely open to his people on his contemplating over the Philippines decision. To buy public support on this severely controversial issue and provide justification for his motives and actions, he utilized religious appeals and lists. His beliefs that it was the American duty, responsibility, and even mandate from god to keep the natives is very clear in his speech.