In 1898, the United States made a crucial decision to join a war against another world power.

Spain.

It began in the Caribbean with two Spanish imperial territories, Cuba and Puerto Rico.

The United States military provided support to rebels and engaged directly in the fight

to help these nations gain independence.

Then, the U.S. got involved in another rebellion in another Spanish territory.

This time, it was a nation on the other side of the world.

The Philippines.

The U.S. sent troops and aid to help Filipino revolutionists.

The Filipino provisional government chose the colors red, white and blue for their flag,

the symbol of their appreciation.

But it wouldn't take long for those feelings to change.

Suddenly, very confusingly, the United States takes the Philippines from Spain.

Ends the war with a treaty at which no Filipinos were present for the negotiation, where

for $20 million purchases the Philippines from Spain.

This is Daniel Imerbar.

I wrote a book called How to Hide and Empire, a history of the greater United States.

He's a history professor at Northwestern University.

You know, you can imagine the dashed hopes of people who've been fighting for independence.

Suddenly, you have to realize they have to do it again.

And they do do it again.

It should be the earnest wish in paramount aim of the military administration to win the

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