Final answer:
The United States wanted to control the Philippines for its strategic location, access to Asian markets, and military purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States wanted to control the Philippines for several reasons. One of the main benefits of controlling the Philippines was its strategic location. The Philippines' proximity to China attracted those who sought to trade with China, and many feared that other powers like Japan or Germany would take control of the islands if the United States did not.
Controlling the Philippines also provided the United States with access to Asian markets for American exports and a source of raw materials for American industries. The United States saw the Philippines as a gateway to Asian markets, and its control over the islands would allow it to expand its economic influence in the region.
Additionally, the United States wanted to maintain its naval bases in the region for military purposes. The Philippines offered strategic value in terms of military power, as it provided a strategic location for the United States to project its military strength in the Pacific.