The Philippines were conquered by Japan in 1942, then re-conquered by the US in 1944.
The US certainly did recognize (understand) that Japan had conquered the Philippines. But since the two countries were at war, the US did not accept that conquest, and eventually invaded and re-captured the Islands.
1. 1942 US vs Japan 2. 1944 US vs Japan 3. 1944 US vs Japan (Battle of Philippine Sea)
December 7, 1941
Japan, but US had intentions to change that.
Defeating Japan.
Japan was never a colony of the United states. Japan was defeated and surendered to the US at the end of WW2.
The US reaction was to counter attack. Commencing at Guadalcanal in 1942.
December 7 1942
After WW2, Utilizing the great opportunity of defeating Japan, the US had manipulated to take control over Japan as if a colony of the US in a brand new way. Though Japan now is rich, Japan is in fact belonged to US. It is a new kind of colony. Japan had lost her basic right of an independent land, that is the right to decide her nation'd destiny. Japan will always be as slaves if their people don't stand up for freedom of their own country.
Hitler declared war on the US on 11 December 1942, in the hopes that if they helped Japan fight the US, Japan might help them fight the USSR.
Puerto Rico became a US Territory.