The history of the Philippines is marked by a blend of indigenous cultures and foreign influences. The archipelago was inhabited by various ethnic groups long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. The Spanish ruled for over 300 years, introducing Christianity and establishing a colonial government. In the late 19th century, the Philippines sought independence, leading to the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines was ceded to the United States, which governed until the country gained independence in 1946. The nation has since developed its own identity and continues to evolve.