Philippines

Political and Security Environment

Background. A Spanish colonial possession from the 16th century onward, the Philippines was ceded to the U.S. in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. The U.S. ruled the country as a territory while planning to grant it independence in 1946. In 1941, the Philippines was attacked and occupied by Japan. The U.S. drove the Japanese out in a series of amphibious operations during 1944 and 1945. The Philippines was then granted independence in...