Final answer:
As Governor of the Philippines, Taft promoted Filipino participation, improved infrastructure, and public health but faced criticism for perpetuating imperial control and racial tensions. Internationally, his policies in Asia sometimes backfired, increasing tensions and showing the limits of US diplomacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Howard Taft's role as the Governor of the Philippines had both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, Taft encouraged Filipino participation in government and implemented infrastructure improvements, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and transportation systems.
His administration worked to modernize agriculture and bolstered public health through sanitation and vaccinations. However, negatives included disillusionment among Filipinos who desired independence and perceived American policies as another form of imperialism. Furthermore, resistance and racial tensions persisted, as the American military’s actions sometimes contradicted the ideals of liberty that were being promoted.
In the wider sphere of international relations, Taft's policies in Asia aimed to maintain a balance of power but ultimately led to heightened tensions between the US, Japan, and China. Internal political challenges, such as the scandal involving Secretary Ballinger and Taft's inability to manage intra-party conflicts also marred his administration.