The U.S. formally recognized the independence of the Philippines in the year 1946. Following a period of Spanish-American War conflict and subsequent American control, the Philippines was granted its independence after a long struggle for self-governance. This recognition was a significant step in the U.S. addressing its colonial past and acknowledged the country's desire for autonomy. Independence was officially signed on July 4, 1946, which later became a national holiday in the Philippines, celebrated annually as Philippine Independence Day.