Answer :
Final answer:
The phrase 'the spirit of 1776' refers to the ideals of the American Revolution and represents the Filipinos' desire for independence and self-government. In the context of the American governors in the Philippines, it suggests that these governors want to suppress or undermine that desire.
Explanation:
The phrase 'the spirit of 1776' refers to the ideals of the American Revolution, including liberty and self-government. In the context of the American governors in the Philippines, it suggests that these governors want to suppress or undermine the Filipinos' desire for independence and self-rule, similar to how the American colonists fought against British rule in 1776.
This perspective can be understood through the historical background of the American acquisition of the Philippines from Spain. The Filipinos initially sought independence from Spanish control, but they found themselves under American rule instead. Some Filipino leaders, like Emilio Aguinaldo, believed that the United States should respect their desire for independence, but the US intended to govern the islands until they were deemed capable of self-rule.
Overall, 'the spirit of 1776' in this context represents the Filipinos' aspirations for freedom and self-government, which they felt were undermined by the American governors.
