Editing Commonwealth of the Philippines (section)

=== Pre-war ===
[[File:Jones Bridge Manila 1930's Philippines.jpg|left|thumb|266x266px|Manila circa 1936-1939.]]
The new government embarked on ambitious nation-building policies in preparation for economic and political independence.<ref name="US-influence" /> These included national defense (such as the [[National Defense Act of 1935]], which organized a [[conscription]] for service in the country), greater control over the [[Economy of the Philippines|economy]], the perfection of democratic institutions, reforms in education, the improvement of transportation, the promotion of local capital, and industrialization.

However, uncertainties, especially in the diplomatic and military situation in [[Southeast Asia]], in the level of U.S. commitment to the future [[Republic of the Philippines]], and in the economy due to the [[Great Depression]], proved to be major problems. The situation was further complicated by the presence of agrarian unrest and power struggles between Osmeña and Quezon,<ref name="US-influence" /> especially after Quezon was permitted to be re-elected after one six-year term.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

A proper evaluation of the policies'{{clarify|reason=what policy?|date=March 2024}} effectiveness or failure is difficult due to the Japanese invasion and [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines|occupation]] during World War II.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Battle of Malaya {{!}} The Japanese Invasion of Malaya as a Case S |url=https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3072&context=etd_all |access-date=March 5, 2024 |page={{page needed |date=March 2024}}}}</ref>