Why did US take over the Philippines?

The United States took over the Philippines following the Spanish-American War in 1898, driven by a desire for expansion and the strategic position of the islands in the Pacific. After defeating Spain, the U.S. acquired the Philippines through the Treaty of Paris, which aimed to establish American influence in Asia and promote trade. Additionally, there were motivations linked to a belief in American exceptionalism and a paternalistic view that justified the colonization as a means to "civilize" the Filipino people. This led to a protracted conflict known as the Philippine-American War as Filipinos resisted American rule.