History of the Philippines

May 17, 2024

History of the Philippines

Early Settlements

  • Arrival: First humans arrived ~60,000 years ago using rafts or boats.
  • Development: Early groups evolved into settlements and early states.
  • Austronesians & Malayo-Polynesian speakers: Arrived in waves starting around 4000 BC.

Neolithic Era

  • Jade Culture: Existed during the Neolithic era.
  • Development by 1000 BC: Four distinct groups: tribal groups, warrior societies, peasant plutocracy, and harbor civilizations.

Metallurgy and Trade

  • Metallurgy: Arrived via trade with India (300-700 AD).
  • Trade Network: Extensive trade by seafaring people with Indianized kingdoms and East Asian principalities.
  • Artifacts: Items like glass, agate, gold, and ear ornaments found across the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan.

Indian Influence

  • Spread: Indian culture spread through the region starting from the 1st century due to the Pallava dynasty in South India and Gupta empire in North India.
  • New Kingdoms: Establishment of new kingdoms influenced by Indian culture.
  • Laguna Copperplate Inscription (900 AD): First known document in the Philippines using mathematics, weights, and measures.

Pre-Colonial Societies

  • Maritime Societies: Existed before 1000 AD, no unifying political state.
  • Nations & States: E.g., Nation of Mai (Buddhist pre-Hispanic state) flourished by attracting trade.
  • Influences and Conflicts: Various interactions and conflicts with larger Asian empires e.g., Maya Pahit.

Islamic Influence

  • Introduction: Islam introduced in 1380 by traders and missionaries.
  • Sultanates: Sultanate of Sulu and Sultanate of Maguindanao established.
  • Bruneian Influence: Importation of Sheriff Ali from Mecca to establish an independent sultanate.

Spanish Era

  • Arrival of Spanish: Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, claiming the islands for Spain.
  • Colonial Expeditions: Continued with several expeditions; naming of the islands as 'Philippines' in 1543.
  • Establishment: Miguel Lopez de Legazpi set up settlements in 1565; Manila established as the capital in 1578.
  • Conflicts: Castillan War between Christian Spaniards and Muslims; diverse troops on both sides.
  • Colonization: Rapid progress, introduction of Christianity, law, and education.

Transition to American Rule

  • End of Spanish Rule: Spanish rule ended after the Spanish–American War (1898).
  • American Colonial Period: Establishment of insular governments and promise of independence.
  • Philippine Commonwealth: Formed in 1935 as an interim step towards independence.
  • Japanese Occupation: Occupied during WWII (1942-1945).
  • Independence: Treaty of Manila (1946) established the independent Philippine Republic.

Post-Independence

  • Independence: Gained full independence on July 4, 1946.
  • Manuel Roxas: First president and subsequent presidents.
  • Internal Conflicts: Including communist partisans and dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos (1965-1986).
  • Modern Era: Transition of power and growth with current president following Corazon Aquino's regime.