Chapter 12, Dependent Independence Summary

MacArthur works hard to get a new Filipino president into power. He quickly turns against his old friend Osmena and supports Manual Roxas. MacArthur also creates much resentment by pardoning many high level Filipinos who had collaborated with the Japanese. Many Filipinos who had loyally resisted are appalled. Still, MacArthur's blessing goes far with the Filipino people, and Roxas easily unseats Osmena.

The Philippines become officially independent on July 4, 1946. The U.S. high commissioner, Paul McNutt lowers the United States flag, and the Philippine President raises the Philippine flag. MacArthur is of course present at the huge celebration. McNutt knows that many Filipinos are uneasy about emancipation at this stage and would have preferred to let the United States assist the reconstruction of the battered country. However, nationalistic pride keeps this opinion quiet for the most part. Over the...