In 1898, Andrew Carnegie was so opposed to the United States annexing the Philippines that he offered to personally repay the $20 million the U.S. paid Spain for the islands — roughly $800 million today — if it meant the Philippines would be granted independence. Carnegie joined figures such as Mark Twain, William James, and former president Grover Cleveland in opposing annexation through the American Anti-Imperialist League. He argued that ruling another nation through force would transform the United States from a republic into a colonial empire. His offer was rejected, and the Senate approved the treaty by a single vote on February 6, 1899 — just two days after fighting broke out between American and Filipino forces. The United States then established colonial rule over the Philippines. An elected Philippine Assembly was created in 1907, the Jones Act of 1916 promised eventual independence, and the Philippine Commonwealth was established in 1935. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, the United States finally recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 — nearly 50 years after Carnegie’s proposal was turned down.(Historic Vids)