"American Imperialism died out mostly in 1812 as 'Manifest Destiny' failed and they were given a merciful peace by the British Empire. The American Empire that remained was satisfied with limited, local expansion and never indulged in colonies."
"Unfortunately the government allowed the corrupt Phillipine leaders to vote on the decision amongst themselves rather than hold a plebiscite. As the local population was highly hostile to its local leaders it is unlikely they would have voted themselves out and might even have voted themselves in. Many Phillipinos of the lower middle and lower classes these days have been told by their parents that they never wanted to leave."