WI Filipino independence b4 Spanish American War?

[LacheyS]

What would the US demand if the Philippines are off the table? Spanish Guinea perhaps? Guam would be an obvious, as would Puerto Rico.

With both sides now focused in the Caribbean theatre, how would the war unfold? Or might we see US troops in Africa?

Finally, what effects will no Philippines War have on US culture, politics and society?

 

[Namayan]

Guam was controlled in Manila so Guam would probably off the table if Philippines is off limits. Or if Carnegie offered to pay the purchase for Philippines really occurred.

I think with both sides focused in Caribbean, it would give more advantage to Spain in manpower.

Spain might be able to reshift her manpower in the Philippines into the Caribbean front. 51k troops stationed in Philippines will be stationed instead in Cuba. While U.S. never had any sufficient land troops in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war.

The only advantage I see for the US would be the naval warships that fought in the Pacific will be transferred elsewhere which is a plus for US.

Spain might still come up with a win with the Philippine front being disregarded since Spain considers Cuba a province rather a colony like the Philippines.