As America’s industrial power expanded, the country decided to try to create an empire through imperialism like the European countries. After a successful campaign in Latin America, the United States tried to increase its influence to include Asia. The state of Hawaii was annexed into the country. Then came a long, violent war in the Philippines. At first, the American Army and Filipino commanders worked together to fight off Spanish rule. But once the Filipinos realized that Americans were going to stay and assert dominance in their country, the Filipinos began fighting off the Americans. The United States eventually were able to control the state, and it was not until July 4, 1946 that the Philippines gained independence.