1. The Philippines
The United States acquired the Philippines after defeating Spain in the Spanish-American War of 1898. For nearly five decades, the islands were under American colonial rule, with U.S. influence seen in government, education, and public works. However, Filipino resistance and the devastation of World War II fueled a strong push for independence. In 1946, the Philippines finally gained self-rule. The U.S. legacy remains visible, and U.S.-Philippines relations continue to be strategically important in Asia today.
