Includes bibliographical references and index.

Modernity, nationhood, and Philippine cities -- Spanish colonialism, American imperialism, and the Philippines -- The city beautiful and the modern Philippine capital city -- Baguio : the United States' city beautiful in the Philippine uplands -- Regional capital plans and provincial civic centers -- Conclusion.

Places the design of Philippine cities within a framework of America's distinct religious and racial identity, colonial politics, and local cultural expansion. In doing so, the book expands knowledge about city planning - its influence and role - within national development by providing valuable insights into the nature of Philippine society.