The Moo Rebellion: The Battle Of The Moro Rebellion

On March 1906, one of the worst battles of the Moro rebellion occurred in the Southern part of the Philippines. The principal adversaries were the Moro rebels of Mount Dajo and the American troops, commanded by General Leonard Wood. This battle happened after the Spanish-American war in 1901 and towards the end of the Philippine-American war. The Moros, driven by ethnic and religious ideology were weary of foreign rule and policies and refused to accept another ruler. The Moros thought that they had beaten the Spanish so that in effect led them to believe that they were invincible. Numerous battles ensued throughout the region. As a result, the transition to power became a challenging ordeal for the Americans. However; the Battle of Mount Dajo …show more content…
The Moro Sulu Sultans were reluctant to accept the United States as their new protectorate and demanded new terms. After deliberation, the Bates Treaty, which guarantees Muslim autonomy, was signed. This treaty was, however, short-lived because of reforms made by the United States. The Spanish weren’t as stringent in their policies during their rule, so the Moros had difficulty conforming. The fact that the United States was a Christian nation aggravated an already tense situation. The United States demanded that the Moros stop slave trading, cattle poaching, and lawlessness which only led to more dissensions, resentment, and noncompliance, thus creating a hostile environment. Being aware of external influences (both official and unofficial groups) could have made the transition of the United States rule to power a lot smoother. Understanding ethnic, religious beliefs, and maybe an understanding of the Moros connections and affiliations could have lessened the tension between the …show more content…
Over 600 people from three Moro tribes and were killed as they sought refuge in the crater of Mount Dajo. Out of over 700 officers and Soldiers, the United States lost 21 live and 73 mortally wounded. The temperature was warm and humid at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The terrain was very challenging with muddy and narrow paths and reduced visibility because of dense vegetation and lack of adequate lighting. The elevation was over 1500 feet the Moros the higher ground and was hurling boulders and rocks down towards the American troops while rushing them with their sword and knives. Their weapons, however, were no match for the American fire power the lugged artillery for about 200 feet up the