Overview
This lecture reviews the colonial history, struggles for independence, political upheavals, and ongoing challenges in Philippine history and politics.
Pre-Colonial Philippines
- The Philippines was not a unified country but made up of independent barangays ruled by local leaders (datus).
- Different regions had various cultural influences: Islam in Mindanao, Hindu and Chinese in Luzon, and animism among the Negritos.
Spanish Colonization
- Spanish arrived in 1521 with Magellan, who was killed by Lapu-Lapu; temporary Spanish expulsion followed.
- Spain returned, establishing permanent control under Legazpi in 1565 and conquering Manila in 1571.
- Native leaders (principalia) and Catholic friars ruled the provinces, often oppressing locals.
- Several revolts occurred, with a new reformist class, the ilustrados, emerging in the 19th century.
- Dr. Jose Rizal became a martyr after his execution in 1896, inspiring the Katipunan-led revolution.
Philippine Revolution and American Rule
- Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio launched the 1896 Philippine Revolution.
- Emilio Aguinaldo emerged as leader; a brief peace led to Spanish betrayal.
- US defeated Spain in 1898 and paid for the Philippines, leading to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902).
- The US instituted reforms, including public education and infrastructure, but maintained elite dominance and hindered industrialization.
Independence, World War II, and the Third Republic
- The US promised independence; the Commonwealth of the Philippines formed in 1935.
- Japan occupied the country in WWII (1942-1945); Manila was devastated in 1945.
- Post-war, elite politics dominated, with some liberalizing reforms in the Third Republic (1946-1965).
Marcos Era and People Power
- Ferdinand Marcos elected in 1965, imposed Martial Law in 1972 to extend power.
- Human rights abuses flourished; thousands were jailed or killed.
- Assassination of opposition leader Ninoy Aquino in 1983 sparked massive unrest.
- The 1986 People Power Revolution toppled Marcos; Corazon Aquino became president.
Contemporary Politics
- Stable party systems failed to return after Marcos; personality-based politics dominates.
- Reforms and liberalization occurred under Fidel Ramos, but crises and corruption marred later administrations.
- Rodrigo Duterte elected in 2016, launched a violent anti-drug campaign, remaining popular despite controversy.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Barangay — independent pre-colonial Filipino community led by a datu.
- Datu — local chieftain or ruler in pre-colonial Philippines.
- Principalia — native Filipino elite recognized under Spanish rule.
- Ilustrado — Western-educated Filipino reformers in the late Spanish period.
- Katipunan (KKK) — secret revolutionary society that started the Philippine Revolution.
- Martial Law — rule by military authority, suspending civil rights.
- People Power Revolution — 1986 peaceful uprising that overthrew Marcos.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the roles of key figures: Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino.
- Study the causes and effects of the People Power Revolution.
- Read about the impact of American and Japanese occupations on Philippine society.