Anti-imperialists opposed the acquisition of the Philippines for several reasons, including:
Violation of American ideals: Anti-imperialists believed that acquiring the Philippines went against American ideals of liberty and democracy. They argued that the United States should not be involved in the colonization and subjugation of other nations.
Racism: Some anti-imperialists believed that Filipinos were inferior and not capable of governing themselves, and therefore, they should not be annexed by the United States.
Cost: Anti-imperialists argued that acquiring the Philippines would be expensive, both in terms of money and lives lost. They believed that the money could be better spent on domestic issues, such as education and healthcare.
Foreign entanglements: Anti-imperialists believed that acquiring the Philippines would lead to foreign entanglements, which would drag the United States into conflicts with other nations.
Constitutional issues: Anti-imperialists argued that the annexation of the Philippines would violate the US Constitution, which they believed did not grant the government the power to acquire overseas territories and govern foreign populations.
Self-determination: Some anti-imperialists argued that the United States should respect the right of the Filipinos to govern themselves and decide their own fate, rather than imposing American rule upon them.
Overall, anti-imperialists believed that acquiring the Philippines went against American principles and values, and that the United States should focus on domestic issues rather than becoming embroiled in foreign affairs.