Compare and contrast the colonial rule of Spain and the United States in the Philippines.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the colonial rule of Spain and the United States in the Philippines, referring to both throughout. There does not need to be an equal number of each. Candidates may refer to the generally autocratic and exploitative nature of Spanish colonial rule, illustrated by the abuses by members of the government/military/clergy (and exposed by Ilustrados). In addition, many of the positions of power in the colony were held by peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain), who had taken them from criollos (Spaniards born in the Philippines). In contrast to the Spaniards, the Americans provided Filipinos with political representation, ostensibly to prepare for independence. While the Spanish focused more upon obtaining tribute from the Philippines, the US looked to promote economic growth in their new territory, although this was also, as a comparison, designed to benefit American companies. A further point of comparison might be the tension between colonial authorities and Filipino nationalists, which characterized the rule of both powers. Finally, under Spanish rule, the Catholic Church wielded significant influence, but this was lost as a result of the separation of church and state by US authorities and the redistribution of Church lands.