1. Military Superiority of the United States:
* Technological Advancement: The US possessed superior weaponry and military technology, including modern rifles, artillery, and naval power.
* Logistics and Resources: The US had a well-established industrial base and could supply its troops with ample resources, while the Filipino forces often struggled with shortages.
* Training and Experience: The US army was a professional force with significant experience in warfare, while the Filipino forces, though initially successful, lacked the training and experience to match the Americans.
2. Filipino Divisions and Internal Conflicts:
* Factionalism: The Filipino revolutionaries were divided into factions, with competing leaders and ideologies. This internal strife weakened their unity and hampered their ability to effectively resist the US.
* Regional Differences: The Philippines was a geographically diverse archipelago, and regional differences led to varying levels of support for the revolution.
* Economic Pressures: The war devastated the Filipino economy, making it difficult to sustain the fight and increasing pressure on the revolutionaries.
3. US Pacification Strategies:
* "Benevolent Assimilation": The US attempted to win over the Filipino people with promises of democracy, education, and modernization. However, this policy was often accompanied by harsh military tactics.
* Concentration Camps: The US established concentration camps to contain and subdue the Filipino population, often resulting in disease, starvation, and death.
* Divide and Conquer: The US used tactics to divide the Filipinos, supporting pro-American groups and isolating revolutionary leaders.
4. Fatigue and Loss of Hope:
* Prolonged Conflict: The war lasted for three years, and the constant fighting, suffering, and loss of life took a heavy toll on both sides.
* Loss of Key Leaders: The deaths of several prominent Filipino leaders, like Emilio Aguinaldo, further demoralized the resistance.
* Lack of International Support: The Filipino revolutionaries were largely isolated internationally, with limited support from other countries.
It's important to note: While the US eventually gained control, it never truly crushed the Filipino resistance. Guerrilla warfare continued even after the official end of the conflict, and the struggle for independence continued in other forms. The Philippine-American War also had a profound impact on Filipino culture and national identity, shaping the nation's fight for self-determination in the years to come.