The Philippines proclaims independence. After 300 years of Spanish rule, Filipino rebel leader Emilio Aguinaldo proclaims his country’s independence during the Spanish-American War. With the support of the United States, Aguinaldo quickly expelled the Spanish and established Asia’s first democratic republic, which lasted only until the US took control in late 1898. In February 1899, Aguinaldo started a revolt. The conflict lasted three years. In 1901, Aguinaldo was taken prisoner, and in 1902, the revolt was put down. The Philippines became independent in 1946 with the end of World War II and the Japanese occupation.
