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Emilio Aguinaldo
General and President, First Philippine Republic
"My blood boils at the thought that the United States, the great champion of liberty, should treat us as Spain treated us."
Biography
Emilio Aguinaldo was the leader of the Philippine Revolution against Spain and briefly an ally of the United States during the Spanish-American War. The Americans brought Aguinaldo back from exile in Hong Kong in May 1898, supplying weapons and apparently leading him to believe Philippine independence would follow a Spanish defeat. Aguinaldo proclaimed independence on June 12, 1898 and organized his forces. But when the Treaty of Paris transferred the Philippines to the United States for $20 million — without consulting Filipinos — Aguinaldo felt betrayed. His forces clashed with American troops in February 1899, beginning the Philippine-American War, which killed more than 4,000 American soldiers and over 200,000 Filipino civilians.
Did you know?
Aguinaldo lived to age 94, surviving Japanese occupation, World War II, and Philippine independence in 1946. He outlived the entire colonial era that defined his life, dying in 1964 — nearly 66 years after the war that made him famous.
Key Battles
Battle of Manila
United States victoryAugust 13, 1898 · 92 total casualties
The fall of Manila secured the Philippine capital for the United States but planted the seeds of the Philippine-American War. By excluding Aguinaldo's forces from the city, the Americans signaled that Filipino independence was not on the agenda. The Filipinos who had fought alongside Americans against Spain realized they had simply traded one colonial master for another.
Life Journey
Timeline
March 22, 1869
🌅 Birth
Born in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines
1896–1897
📍 Posting
Leads Philippine Revolution against Spain from Cavite
1897–1898
📍 Posting
Exiled to Hong Kong after Biak-na-Bato agreement
May–June 1898
⚔️ Battle
Returns to Philippines with U.S. support; declares independence June 12, 1898
January 1899
📍 Posting
Inaugurated President of First Philippine Republic, Malolos
February 6, 1964
✝️ Death
Died in Quezon City, Philippines — age 94