Question

why did the philippines help the united states fight the spanish during the spanish - american war?
it was trying to assert its independence from spain.
it was forced to since it was controlled by the united states.
it was believed that helping would make the united states grant the philippines independence.
it wanted to make a good impression on the nation that controlled it.

Explanation:

During the Spanish-American War, the Philippines had been under Spanish colonial rule and sought independence. Filipino revolutionaries allied with the U.S. with the belief that assisting in defeating Spain would lead the U.S. to recognize and grant Philippine independence. The other options are incorrect: the Philippines was not controlled by the U.S. during the war (control came after), so it was not forced nor trying to impress a controlling power, and asserting independence directly was the goal, but the specific reason for allying with the U.S. was the belief of gaining independence through that alliance.

Answer:

It was believed that helping would make the United States grant the Philippines independence.