Chapter 8, America Exports Itself Summary

Boatloads of American teachers and civil servants start arriving in the Philippines in 1901. Although mixed in their motives, many have a sincere desire to help the Filipino people lead a better life. Indeed, compared to other "colonies" around the world like Britain and France, the Americans are determined not to be stuck with the "colonial" label. U.S. citizens are barred from owning large tracks of land and work hard to abolish the last remnants of the Spanish colonial system. The remaining estates owned by the friars are bought out after the president confers with the Vatican itself. A true judicial system is established, along with a centralized education system and widespread public works. The Americans also train Filipino troops to serve as regulars. It's a practice the Europeans have been frightful of.

A single currency is...