What was the primary outcome of the USA's acquisition of the Philippines?

The primary outcome of the USA's acquisition of the Philippines was that the United States took direct control over a colonial empire. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the U.S. acquired the Philippines from Spain as part of the Treaty of Paris. This marked a significant expansion of American territorial holdings and solidified the U.S. position as an imperial power.

Under U.S. administration, the Philippines were governed directly through a territorial government, with the U.S. implementing political, military, and economic control over the islands. This control included the establishment of military bases, the introduction of American legal and educational systems, and significant investment in infrastructure, which were all hallmarks of colonial rule.

The consequences of this acquisition led to various responses from the Filipino population, including resistance and the eventual Philippine-American War as Filipinos fought for independence from American rule. This further highlights the nature of American imperialism at the time, as the U.S. sought not only to expand its territory but also to exert influence over the political and social structures of the acquired regions.