Overview
This lecture covers the diverse history of the Philippines, from its earliest inhabitants to Spanish and American colonization, and finally, its path to independence in 1946.
Early History and Settlement
- The Philippines consists of over 7,500 islands with over 150 ethno-linguistic groups.
- Hunter-gatherers inhabited the islands by 40,000 BCE, with possible evidence of human presence as early as 770,000 years ago.
- Ancient land bridges allowed migration, later replaced by maritime travel with the arrival of Austronesians.
- Austronesians brought agriculture, pottery, and language, settling in the Philippines by 1000 BCE.
Ancient Social Structure
- Early Filipino society organized into barangays, small family-based villages led by chiefs.
- Barangays operated independently, often forming unstable alliances and developing unique cultures.
- The barangay system peaked during the 14th to 16th centuries, with some coastal barangays growing into small kingdoms involved in trade.
Spanish Colonization
- The Spanish arrived in 1521, facing resistance from local leaders like Lapu-Lapu.
- Spain established control over Manila by 1571 and united the diverse groups under colonial rule, though southern Muslim regions resisted for over 300 years.
- Spanish governance relied on existing barangay structures but gradually centralized power.
- Uneasiness with Spanish rule grew, leading to uprisings and calls for independence by the late 1800s.
American Occupation and Path to Independence
- After the 1898 Spanish-American War, the U.S. took control of the Philippines, leading to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902).
- The U.S. introduced the Philippine Organic Act, allowing local elections and the formation of political parties.
- Independence was scheduled for July 4, 1946, though Filipinos celebrate June 12 for the 1898 declaration of independence from Spain.
World War II and Final Independence
- Japan invaded the Philippines in 1941, occupying the islands until 1945.
- Filipinos and Americans jointly resisted Japanese occupation through guerrilla warfare.
- The Philippines achieved full independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946, reestablishing a democratic government.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ethno-linguistic group — a community defined by shared ethnicity and language.
- Barangay — the smallest social unit or village in early Filipino society, led by a chief.
- Austronesians — seafaring people who settled in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, bringing agriculture and technology.
- Philippine Organic Act — U.S. law establishing a civil government in the Philippines and granting Filipinos limited self-government.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the history of the Philippines from prehistory to independence.
- Study the impact of colonization by Spain and the United States on Filipino society and governance.
- Prepare for questions on the significance of barangays and the influence of World War II on Philippine independence.