What was the American Anti-Imperialist League’s position on U.S. rule in the Philippines?
The American Anti-Imperialist League was a prominent organization that strongly opposed U.S. involvement in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War.2
The league’s position was rooted in the belief that the control and governance of distant, alien peoples violated fundamental American traditions of self-determination. Members of the organization argued that such imperialist actions threatened the very fabric of the American republic.1
The league grew into a significant mass movement that drew support from a diverse range of individuals across the political spectrum, including notable figures such as:
Despite the league's vocal opposition, the U.S. Senate ultimately ratified the Treaty of Paris in 1899, which transferred sovereignty of the Philippines from Spain to the United States, setting the stage for the Philippine-American War.2