Philippine History Overview

Overview

This lecture traces the history of the Philippines from its early human settlement, sociopolitical development, colonial encounters, wars, independence, and modern governance, highlighting key events, changes in leadership, and international relations.

Geography and Early Peoples

• The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands in the Pacific, located in the seismically active Ring of Fire.
• Only around 1,000 islands are inhabited, most being about 1 square mile in size.
• The islands are grouped into Luzon (north), Visayas (central), and Mindanao (south).
• Early human traces date back to 47,000 years ago, with earlier hominids found as far back as 700,000 years ago.
• Modern Filipino ancestors migrated from Taiwan and other parts of Asia around 3000 BCE and were Austronesian.

Precolonial Culture and Society

• Early societies formed barangays (small sociopolitical units), led by datus, rajas, or sultans based on region and influence.
• Social class included maginoo (nobility), maharlika (free people), and alipin (slaves).
• Animistic and polytheistic beliefs dominated, with ancestor worship, spirit veneration, and some later Hindu and Buddhist influences via trade.
• Islam arrived in 1380 through missionaries and spread mainly in the south.
• Extensive trade networks, including the maritime Jade Road, connected the islands to Asia.

Spanish Colonization

• First European contact was in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan; initial resistance by local chief Lapu-Lapu.
• The first successful Spanish colony was established in Cebu (1565) under Miguel López de Legazpi.
• Spanish conquest used both force and Catholic missionary work; Manila became the colonial capital.
• Local revolts and external threats (Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese pirates, Muslim states) occurred but were contained.
• The Philippines became part of the Spanish East Indies, governed from Mexico, and served strategic rather than economic interests.
• The encomienda (land grant) system forced agricultural production and labor tribute.

Colonial Reforms and Uprisings

• The British briefly occupied Manila during the Seven Years’ War (1762-1764) but returned it to Spain.
• Mid-1800s reforms: opening of trade, emergence of Filipino middle class, and rise of nationalist propaganda and revolutionary movements.
• The Katipunan led the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1896.
• The Spanish-American War (1898) led to American intervention and the end of Spanish rule.

American and Japanese Rule

• The U.S. acquired the Philippines in 1898, establishing a military then civilian government.
• Filipino forces resisted U.S. control (Philippine-American War, 1899-1902), but were eventually subdued.
• The Jones Act (1916) and later laws set a path to independence, delayed by wars and politics.
• Japanese occupation during WWII was brutal; guerilla resistance was widespread.
• U.S. forces liberated the islands in 1945; independence was granted on July 4, 1946.

Independent Republic and Modern Era

• Early presidents focused on economic recovery, social reforms, and securing U.S. aid post-WWII.
• Ferdinand Marcos ruled from 1965-1986, declaring martial law and turning dictatorial.
• The People Power Revolution (1986) ousted Marcos, elevating Corazon Aquino and restoring democracy.
• Subsequent presidencies saw economic reforms, natural disasters, and continued internal conflicts.
• Recent leaders (Duterte, Marcos Jr.) have faced challenges including human rights concerns, COVID-19 recovery, and regional tensions, especially with China.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Barangay — basic local sociopolitical unit in precolonial Philippines, akin to a village or city-state.
• Datu/Raja/Sultan — leaders of barangays or confederations, titles varied by region and foreign influence.
• Encomienda — Spanish land grant system requiring tribute and labor from local inhabitants.
• Maginoo/Maharlika/Alipin — noble, free, and slave classes in precolonial society.
• Katipunan — secret society that led the revolution against Spanish rule.
• People Power Revolution — nonviolent uprising in 1986 that ended the Marcos dictatorship.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review key events and dates in Philippine history for exam preparation.
• Learn definitions and social structures (barangay, class system).
• Study the impact of colonial rule and resistance movements.
• Understand modern challenges facing the Philippines in regional politics.