The Tydings–McDuffie Act, formally known as the Philippine Commonwealth Act, represented a major legislative step in the United States' relationship with the Philippines. Passed by Congress after years of discussion about Filipino self-governance, this act allowed the Philippines to establish a commonwealth that would have greater autonomy and self-rule. The law set forth a 10-year period leading to eventual independence, a response to the growing nationalistic movements within the islands advocating for self-determination and the end of colonial rule. The act provided for a new constitution, a popularly elected governor-general, and the establishment of a national assembly, which aimed to enhance the political integration of the Philippines into a self-governing structure.Furthermore, the measure underscored the United States' strategic interests in Asia, particularly in light of rising tensions in the region leading up to World War II. While many Filipino leaders welcomed the act as a step towards independence, others criticized the limited nature of the proposed self-government and the delayed timeline for independence. The gradual approach to self-governance was a compromise, enabling the U.S. to maintain influence in the region while pacifying the push for full sovereignty.In context, the Tydings–McDuffie Act was both a pivotal moment in Philippine-American relations as well as a reflection of the global shifts towards colonial independence movements. It gave Filipinos a substantive platform for self-governance within the framework of the Commonwealth, setting the stage for the eventual full independence achieved following World War II.