An important cause of the conquest and annexation of the Philippine Islands by the United States was the desire to:

The desire to secure access to Chinese markets for U.S. manufactured goods was a significant factor motivating the United States during the period of the conquest and annexation of the Philippine Islands. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the U.S. aimed to expand its economic reach and firmly establish itself as a global power. The Philippines, strategically located in Southeast Asia, served as a critical gateway to China, a vast market that held immense economic potential due to its large population and increasing demand for goods.

By controlling the Philippines, the U.S. could facilitate trade with China, ensuring that American manufacturers could export their products more efficiently. This approach was consistent with the broader foreign policy of the time, which sought to promote American interests overseas, particularly in burgeoning markets. This goal was especially relevant given the context of the Open Door Policy, which advocated for equal trading rights in China and aimed to prevent any single power from monopolizing trade in the region. Thus, controlling the Philippines was seen as a strategic move to solidify U.S. influence in Asia and secure economic opportunities in one of the world's most significant markets.