Overview
This lecture discusses the key events, figures, internal conflicts, and outcomes of the 1896-1898 Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
Spanish Colonial Rule in the Philippines
- Spain ruled the Philippines for 333 years, exploiting resources and imposing forced labor and high taxes.
- Spanish authorities suppressed local culture, banned native languages, and imposed Christianity.
- Filipinos resisted Spanish rule through unsuccessful revolts over the centuries.
Rise of the Katipunan (KKK)
- The Katipunan (KKK) was a secret society founded by Andres Bonifacio in 1892 to overthrow Spanish rule.
- Comprised mainly of working-class Filipinos seeking freedom, equality, and justice.
- The Katipunan rapidly grew and became a significant threat by 1896.
Outbreak of the Philippine Revolution
- The revolution began with the Battle of San Juan del Monte on August 30, 1896, after Spanish authorities discovered Katipunan plans.
- The Katipunan, composed mostly of untrained volunteers, suffered early defeats due to poor coordination and resources.
- Spanish authorities responded by sending reinforcements and executing revolutionaries, including national hero Jose Rizal.
Factionalism and Leadership Struggles
- Emilio Aguinaldo emerged as a skilled leader, achieving victories in Cavite and leading the Magdalo faction.
- The Katipunan split into Magdalo (more moderate, upper-class) and Magdiwang (more radical, lower-class, led by Bonifacio) factions.
- The factions held the Tejeros Convention in 1897 to elect new leaders; Aguinaldo was chosen president, and Bonifacio felt betrayed after being insulted and marginalized.
Downfall of Andres Bonifacio
- Aguinaldo ordered Bonifacio's arrest; Bonifacio and his brother were executed after a biased trial in 1897.
- Bonifacio's death demoralized many revolutionaries and further weakened the Katipunan.
End of Spanish Rule and Aftermath
- The Spanish-American War in 1898 led to the US defeating Spain and taking control of the Philippines.
- The revolution ended with the declaration of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, but US colonial rule began.
- The Katipunan's efforts symbolized the struggle for independence, though they did not directly achieve Spanish surrender.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Katipunan (KKK) — Secret revolutionary society aiming for Philippine independence from Spain.
- Magdalo — Katipunan faction led by Aguinaldo, favoring negotiation and government formation.
- Magdiwang — Katipunan faction led by Bonifacio, favoring continued armed struggle.
- Tejeros Convention — 1897 meeting to elect leaders for a unified revolutionary government.
- Treaty of Paris (1898) — Treaty ending the Spanish-American War, ceding the Philippines to the US.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and outcomes of the Philippine Revolution.
- Study the roles of key figures: Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Jose Rizal.