Emilio Aguinaldo
The revolutionary leader who declared Philippine independence and led the war against the United States.
Life
Cavite official
Aguinaldo was a local official in Cavite who joined the Katipunan and won repeated victories in the 1896 uprising. The following year he replaced Bonifacio as leader of the revolution, and later made peace with Spain and went into exile in Hong Kong.
Declaration of Independence
When the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, he returned home to lead the uprising again, and on June 12 declared Philippine independence in Cavite. In 1899 the First Philippine Republic was founded with him as President. But the United States bought the Philippines from Spain, and the Philippine–American War broke out soon afterward.
Captured
In 1901 he was captured by American troops and swore allegiance to the United States. He then withdrew from politics and died in 1964 at the age of ninety-four.
Legacy
Aguinaldo is regarded as the first President of the Philippines; his execution of Bonifacio and his allegiance to the United States after 1901 make his legacy complicated.
Did you know? Independence Day on June 12 commemorates the day he declared independence in Cavite.
Key dates
- 1896Joins the uprising
- 1897Replaces Bonifacio; later goes into exile in Hong Kong
- 1898Declaring Independence
- 1899Becomes President of the First Republic; Philippine–American War breaks out
- 1901Captured
- 1964Died