Final answer:
The development of Filipino nationalism was influenced by broken American promises of independence, experiences of military brutality and racial discrimination, and superficial improvements in governance and infrastructure. The 1924 National Origins Act and the collective memory of American colonial betrayal also played significant roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that led to the development of Filipino nationalism can be traced back to a number of historical events and processes. Firstly, the imposition of American control after the Spanish-American War, where Filipinos had expected independence but were instead treated as a colony, fostered a sense of disillusionment. Experiences of American military brutality and the 'water cure' torture, along with racial discrimination, contributed to the rising nationalist sentiments among the Filipinos. The educational and infrastructure improvements, while designed to showcase 'Anglo-Saxon liberty', were seen as superficial and did not address the core demand for genuine independence. Moreover, the limited immigration allowed for Filipinos under the 1924 National Origins Act, which was contradictory to the perceived American values of liberty and self-government, exacerbated the push for nationalism.
Political figures like Aguinaldo and the broader Filipino community felt betrayed when promises of independence were not honored. The narrative that Filipinos were mere 'recipients of American freedom' turned sour as their efforts in resisting Spanish then Japanese rule, were not sufficiently recognized and rewarded with self-rule. Despite some peaceful transitions and established arrangements, such as the recognition of independence by President Harry Truman, the collective memory of previous betrayals and struggles shaped the Filipino nationalism, uniting people in their quest for an identity separate from foreign influences and control.