The Philippines

Question 1

What is the context behind the Philippines as a model state?

Answer 1

It was under US colonial rule until 1935, then Japan occupied her from 1942-1945.

Question 2

When did the Philippines gain independence?

Answer 2

4th July 1946

Question 3

Why was the Philippines less successful model state than Japan? (2)

Answer 3

1) general MacArthur allied with the 20% Filipino elite, so didn’t introduce liberal reforms, so didn’t gain popular support.

2) the USA exploited the Philippines for money (as they had suffered under the civil war) so they resented the USA.

Question 4

Democracy
What was the 1 success and 2 limitations of the Philippines’ democracy?

Answer 4

Success:

1. 1940 - new constitution, with a congress, senate and elected president every 4 years. Also freedoms to speech, press, and trade unions.

Limitations:
1. PRESIDENT & CONGRESS - Roxas became the first president, who supported the Japanese empire and was only interested in the elites = undemocratic
- this meant that the electoral system was dominated by the elites, as seen by when the Huks were unseated by the liberals in 1946, despite winnning a seat in congress.

2. 1949 ELECTIONS - competition between liberal Quirino and Nacionalista party Jose P.Laurel, but democratic voting ignored and Quirino was elected.

Question 5

Capitalist economy
What was the 1 success and 1 limitation of Philippines’ capitalist economy?

Answer 5

Success:

1. TYDINGS REHABILITATION ACT - USA gave $620 million to build and restore economy and infrastructure

Limitations:

1. BELL TRADE ACT - 1947 - gave Americans equal rights to the Filipinos, meaning that they could exploit the Philippines’ natural resources. Also, if Congress didn’t accept this act, they couldn’t receive the tydings rehabilitation act (=why Huks were unseated).

Question 6

Pro-USA/Anti-Communist nation
What was the 1 success and 2 limitations of the establishment of the Philippines as a pro USA/Anti-communist nation?

Answer 6

Success:

1.MILITARY BASES - 1947 - 22 military bases e.g. Clark field - gave USA a military presence in SEA to deter the spread of communism (bases aided Chinese civil war in October 1949).

Limitations:

1. ECONOMIC ISSUES (POVERTY) - ‘widespread feeling of disillusionment’ (USA National Security Report) = more vulnerable to communism.
2. HUK’S REBELLION (1949-1954) - they rebelled due to being unseated in 1946, the unfair trade restrictions implemented by the USA in the bell trade act + want for improvement of working conditions. USA defeated them and accused them for bing communist - but the USA failed to implement socio-economic reforms, as the elite refused to do so.