Lecture Notes: History of the Philippines

Overview of the Philippines

Geographical Context:
- An archipelago consisting of over 7,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
- Located on a subduction zone of the Ring of Fire, leading to significant seismic activity.
- Mineral-rich due to geological history, but vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanoes.
Island Groups:
- Divided into three main groups: Luzon (north), Visayas (central), and Mindanao (south).
- Luzon is the most populated, home to the capital, Manila.

Homo Sapiens:
- Evidence of modern humans dates back approximately 47,000 years.
- Preceded by earlier hominids, including Homo luzonensis (134,000 years ago) and Homo erectus (700,000 years ago).
Austronesian Migration:
- Ancestors of native populations migrated from Taiwan, other islands, and the Asian mainland by around 3000 BCE.
- Austronesians spread across maritime Southeast Asia, influencing languages like Tagalog and Malay.

Geographic Isolation:
- Settlements often located near rivers, leading to isolated communities.
- Political connections developed through kinship rather than overarching governance.
Maritime Jade Road:
- Established trade networks by 2000 BCE; jade artifacts demonstrate trade with India.
- Generally peaceful period with minimal archaeological evidence of conflict, until written records began around 900 CE.

Political Structure:
- Early societies organized into barangays, akin to city-states (30-500 people).
- Leadership varied: rulers were called datis, rajas (Indian influence), and sultans (Islamic influence).
Social Hierarchy:
- Classes included maginot (elite), freemen, maharlika, and alipin (enslaved).
Religious Practices:
- Polytheistic animism and ancestor worship were prevalent.
- Magic and witchcraft were respected and feared.

Cultural Influences:
- Contact with Srivijaya Empire (Buddhist state) and Majapahit (Hindu-Buddhist state).
- Introduction of Buddhism and Hinduism before the 9th century.
Islamic Influence:
- Arrival of Islam in 1380 via Maktam Karim; established first mosque and Sulu Sultanate.

Tondo and Manila:
- Tondo, an influential barangay at Pasig River Delta, engaged in extensive trade.
Spanish Contact:
- First European contact in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan.
- Conversion of local leaders to Catholicism initiated European influence in the region.

Establishment of Colonies:
- Spanish colonization began with Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565.
- Expansion included Manila, which became the capital.
Societal Changes and Resistance:
- Introduction of Catholicism, Spanish agricultural practices, and socio-political structures.
- Various revolts against Spanish rule; prominent leaders included José Rizal and the Katipunan.

Rise for Independence:
- Revolution against Spanish rule began in 1898, aiming for independence.
- Leadership under Emilio Aguinaldo; temporary government established.
Spanish-American War:
- The Philippines became a focal point in the war between Spain and the US in 1898.

Transition of Power:
- Following the Spanish-American War, the US established military governance.
- Philippine-American War ensued due to resistance against American control.
Governmental Developments:
- Establishment of the Insular Government and legislative assembly.
- Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916 promised eventual independence.

Independence:
- Officially became independent on July 4, 1946, after World War II.
Presidential Leadership:
- Manuel Roxas succeeded by Alpidio Quirino, then Ramon Magsaysay (Golden Years).
- Political unrest and corruption issues throughout subsequent administrations.

Duterte Administration:
- Focus on infrastructure, crime, and reorientation of foreign policy.
Current Leadership:
- Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Bongbong) faced socio-economic challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geopolitical Concerns:
- Ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea influence foreign relations.

Future Prospects:
- The Philippines will remain a significant player in Pacific politics and international relations.