Struggle Against Spanish Colonialism and Religious Revolts in the Philippines

Early Revolts

• Before 1872, there were numerous revolts against Spanish colonialism, including:
  • Gabriela Silang
  • Palaris Revolt
  • Tamblot Revolt
• These revolts were not united, leading to their defeat by the colonizers.
• Early revolts had religious orientation, led by figures like:
  • Bancao in Leyte
  • Sumuroy in Samar
  • Tapar in Panay
• Many leaders sought to return to their original religion.

Hermano Pule and Cofradia de San Jose

• Hermano Pule continued the tradition of religious revolts.
• In 1841, their organization, Cofradia de San Jose, was crushed by the Spanish.
• Resistance led to battles, but eventually, members, including Pule, were massacred.
• The Tayabas regiment revolted in response to Pule's execution.

Influence of Enlightenment and European Liberalism

• The Glorious Revolution in Spain (1868) led to a liberal governor-general, Carlos Maria de la Torre, in the Philippines.
• Liberal ideas from Europe, facilitated by the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, spread in the Philippines.
• De la Torre's reforms were reversed when Rafael de Izquierdo, a conservative, replaced him.

Economic Changes and Social Unrest

• Abolition of the Galleon Trade in 1815 and opening to world trade in 1834.
• Influx of liberal ideas from Europe.
• Rise of banditry due to land grabbing by the friars, especially in Cavite.

Rise of Secularization Movement

• Conflict between secular and regular priests intensified.
• Secular priests, mostly of Filipino descent, sought control of parishes.
• Friars resisted due to power and privileges associated with parishes.
• Fr. Pedro Pelaez, a key figure in the movement, died in the 1863 earthquake.
• The "Committee of Reformers," including prominent figures like Fr. Jose Burgos, advocated for reforms.

Gomburza and the Cavite Mutiny

• Cavite Mutiny (January 20, 1872) at the Spanish arsenal in Cavite City was a revolt by Filipino soldiers reacting to lost privileges.
• Mutiny crushed by reinforcements sent by the governor-general.
• Three Filipino priests, Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora (Gomburza), were implicated without solid evidence.

Execution of Gomburza

• Gomburza were executed by garrote on February 17, 1872.
• Execution led to national outrage and heightened Filipino nationalism.
• They became martyrs symbolizing the struggle against Spanish rule and inspired future movements.

Impact on Philippine Nationalism

• The execution of Gomburza is seen as a turning point in Filipino nationalism.
• Inspired figures like Jose Rizal and movements like the Propaganda Movement and the Katipunan.
• Their martyrdom became a rallying cry for independence, leading to the revolution and eventual independence declaration in 1898.