The First Philippine Republic was established on January 23, 1899, following the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. It was the first democratic republic in Asia, led by President Emilio Aguinaldo. The republic aimed to create a government that represented the Filipino people's interests and aspirations for independence. However, the First Philippine Republic faced challenges, particularly from the United States, which sought to control the Philippines after defeating Spain in the Spanish-American War. This led to the Philippine-American War, which ultimately resulted in the dissolution of the republic in 1901, as American forces took control of the islands.