History of the Philippines

Early Human Settlement

• Arrival of First Humans:
  • First humans arrived approximately 60,000 years ago using rafts/boats.
  • Diverse groups settled in the archipelago, evolving into larger settlements.
• Austronesian Migration:
  • Began around 4000 BC, with Malayo-Polynesian speakers arriving in waves.
• Jade Culture:
  • Existed from the Neolithic era, indicating early cultural development.
• Distinct Societies by 1000 BC:
  • Development of tribal groups, warrior societies, Petsi Plutocracy, and harbor civilizations.
• Metallurgy Influence:
  • Introduced through trade with India.

Trade and Cultural Influences (300 - 1300 AD)

• Trade with Indianized Kingdoms:
  • Trade with kingdoms in the Malay Archipelago and East Asia, adopting Buddhism and Hinduism.
  • Evidence of extensive trade networks, with goods such as glass, agate, and gold exchanged.
• Indian Cultural Influence:
  • Spread of Indian culture through the Pallava Dynasty and Gupta Empire, leading to the establishment of new kingdoms.
• Laguna Copper Plate Inscription:
  • Oldest Philippine document (900 AD), shows debt clearing, mathematics, and weights and measures.
  • Reflects Hindu-Old Malay culture in the Manila Bay area.

Political Landscape (Up to 1500s)

• Pre-Colonial City-States:
  • Numerous semi-autonomous city-states existed, influenced by larger Asian empires like Majapahit.
• Mai and Trade:
  • Mai (Buddhist state) thrived around 1225, attracting traders.
• Islamic Era:
  • Arrival of Islam in 1380 by Sharif ul Hashim, establishing the Sultanate of Sulu.
  • Islam spread through traders and missionaries from the Middle East and Malay regions.

Spanish Colonization (1521 - 1898)

• Spanish Arrival:
  • 1521: First contact by Ferdinand Magellan, establishing Spanish claims.
  • Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan.
• Naming of the Islands:
  • 1543: Islands named "Philippines" in honor of Philip II of Spain.
• Establishment of Spanish Rule:
  • Miguel López de Legazpi formed settlements and established Manila as the capital in 1565.
• Castilian War (1578):
  • Conflict between Christian Spaniards and Muslim Bruneians, ending in a status quo.
• Christianization:
  • Introduction of Christianity and establishment of universities and churches.

American Period and Independence (1898 - 1946)

• Spanish-American War:
  • End of Spanish rule in 1898; Philippines became a US territory.
• Insular Government:
  • Elected assembly was set up in 1907. Jones Act promised independence.
• World War II:
  • Japanese occupation (1942); US liberation in 1945.
• Treaty of Manila (1946):
  • Established the independent Philippine Republic.

Post-Independence Era (1946 - Present)

• Manuel Roxas:
  • First president of the independent republic, died in 1948.
• Elpidio Quirino:
  • Ruled until 1953; faced communist resistance.
• Ferdinand Marcos Era (1965 - 1986):
  • Rule marked by dictatorship and martial law (1972-1981).
  • Marcos removed from power in 1986, replaced by Maria Corazon Aquino.
• Subsequent Presidents:
  • Five other presidents have ruled since Aquino, continuing the political evolution of the country.