Background

• The U.S. acquired the Philippines as a consequence of the Spanish-American war and the imperialism which defined the turn of the 19th century. Relations were strained and thousands of Filipinos perished in the 14-year Philippine-American War that ensued.
  
  

Onset of World War II

• In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt called for the Philippine Commonwealth army to join forces with the U.S. to help fight the Axis powers. Over 100,000 soldiers volunteered and went on to fight and die alongside Allied soldiers throughout the Pacific theater.
  
  

Formation of the 'New Scouts'

• The Armed Forces Voluntary Recruitment Act of 1945 enlisted Filipino citizens in the war effort, primarily in the occupation of Japan and monitoring of nearby territories. A stipulation of the Recruitment Act required an army of 'New Scouts' to be made from the citizenry of the Philippines. This enlistment continued as a matter of law through 1946.
  
  

Impact

• In 1946, Congress declared via the Rescission Act that the services of the Filipinos in World War II was not active service, thereby betraying President Roosevelt's word that full benefits would be provided to all veterans. Veterans of the New Scouts were not granted many of the rewards promised, leading to allegations of unfair treatment and racism.