The U.S. Army and Counterinsurgency in the Philippine War, 1899-1902

Philippine-American Military History, 1902-1942: An Annotated Bibliography; [[The U. S. Army and Counterinsurgency in the Philippines, 1899-1902]] Note that Brian McAlister Lynn is one of the finest and most knowledgeable military historians today in the United States with regard to the history of Philippine-U. S. relations as it relates to the military. His knowledge is far more extensive than most in both the macro and the micro and he takes his study of multiple facets of the military history of both countries as they pertain their full complements of developments, very seriously. Meticulously documented.

"The U.S. Army and Counterinsurgency in the Philippine War, 1899-1902," by Brian McAllister Linn, is a superb contribution to military history. In the book's opening chapter, Linn vividly sketches out the complex environment faced by the U.S. Army as it began its occupation of the Philippines after Spain's defeat. Linn discusses the different sociopolitical factions in Philippine society, the ethnic divisions, the revolutionary Katipunan society, religious rebel groups, and bandit gangs. He also begins to create his picture of the structure of the guerrilla forces faced by the U.S. troops. As the book progresses, Linn looks at the shape of both the insurgency and U.S. counterinsurgency activity in different parts of the Philippines. He covers many important topics: the insurgent infrastructure that supported the anti-U.S. guerrillas, the impact of terrain on U.S. operations, how disease affected U.S. troops, the use of terrorism by insurgent forces, the U.S. Army's use of native Filipino auxiliary forces, and American efforts in the areas of civil government and public works. He emphasizes the role of military intelligence in the conflict, and offers intriguing analysis of the leadership on both sides of the war. Along the way he introduces us to some truly remarkable personalities, both Filipino and American. Linn's book is meticulously documented. The main text (pages 1-170) is followed by extensive endnotes (171-234) and a substantial bibliography (235-47). The bibliography cites a rich diversity of source material, including manuscript collections, letters, diaries, veterans' questionnaires, books, dissertations, and government publications. The text is further enhanced by an index, six illuminating maps, and eight pages of black-and-white photographs depicting people on both sides of the conflict. The book is written in a clear, logical manner; Linn emphasizes facts and incorporates quotes from primary sources into his text. He successfully maintains a tone of scholarly impartiality, even when discussing potentially sensational and controversial material. In his preface, Linn notes that it is the "diversity, both in the Filipino resistance and the American response, that makes the Philippine War so fascinating." As I read this masterful work of history, I was struck, over and over again, by what I saw as parallels between the Philippine War and the contemporary Iraq War. Indeed, I consider this book essential reading for those who wish to learn more about issues in military occupation, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare.