The First Republic of the Philippines After defeat in the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded its colonies to the

US in exchange for US$20 million. Although Aguinaldo had proclaimed independence, it became obvious the US did not recognise Philippine independence. The outcome was the Philippine-American War in which Aguinaldo was finally captured and persuaded to swear allegiance to the US. The Surrender of the Spanish to the Americans July 17, 1898: Over 11,000 US troops and reinforcements arrive in the Philippines from the US. August 13, 1898: The Spanish governor, Fermin Jaudenes negotiates the surrender of Manila with an arranged show of resistance that preserved Spanish sensibilities of honour. However, this excludes Aguinaldo's Filipinos. August 14, 1898: The Americans establish a military government in the Philippines. September 1898: Aguinaldo moves his capital from Cavite to the more defensible Malalos in Bulacan, as it is now apparent the US does not recognise Philippine independence. The US and Spain begin peace negotiations in Paris. December 10, 1898: The Treaty of Paris is signed. Cuba gains independence while Spain cedes the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico to the US for US$20 million. The Treaty of Paris is not well received in the Philippines. December 21, 1898: The Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation is issued by US President McKinley extending US sovereignty over the Philippines even by use of force if need be. January 20, 1899: President McKinley appoints the first Philippine Commission (Schurman Commission). The First Republic and the Revolution January 21, 1899: The Malolos Constitution is promulgated by Aguinaldo. January 23, 1899: Under the Malolos Constitution, the government of the First Republic of the Philippines is inaugurated and Emilio Aguinaldo takes his oath as President. February 4, 1899: An American sentry by the name of Private Willie Grayson shoots and kills a Filipino soldier crossing the San Juan bridge. This starts the Philippine-American War. June 15, 1899: General Antonio Luna, the most brilliant military tactician during the PhilippineAmerican War is shot and killed by Aguinaldo's men. March 4, 1899: The Schurman Commission arrives in Manila. It proclaims US supremacy over the Philippines but promises autonomy. March 31, 1899: Aguinaldo and his government escape the capture of Malalos. January 31, 1900: The Schurman Commission departs for the US. March 16, 1900: President McKinley appoints the second Philippine Commission (Taft Commission). June 3, 1900: The Taft Commission arrives in Manila. December 2, 1900: General Gregorio del Pilar is killed while trying to hold off the Americans at the Battle of Pasong Tirad.

December 23, 1900: The Partido Liberal is formed by Filipinos aiming to have the Philippines join the US. March 2, 1901: The US Senate passes an act which formally ends military rule in the Philippines as the US President governs the Philippines by authority of the US Congress and not as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. March 23, 1901: Aguinaldo is captured in Palanan, Isabela by the pursuing American forces. April 1, 1901: In Manila, Aguinaldo is persuaded to swear allegiance to the US and calls on his soldiers to put down their arms. April 19, 1901: Aguinaldo issues a proclamation in which he believes freedom can be obtained through the US. July 4, 1901: Military rule comes to an end as a civil government is established with William Taft as the first US governor-general. However, some resistance continues until 1903.