HIS007 Session 2

Summary

This video explores the societal context of the Philippines, focusing on pre-colonial society, the impact of Spanish colonization, and the emergence of Filipino nationalism. It highlights the rich civilization and structure of pre-colonial barangays, the oppressive changes brought by the Spaniards, and the gradual development of a Filipino identity in the 19th century. The video emphasizes how these societal transformations influenced the heroism of José Rizal, who fought for the rights of Filipinos, and raises thought-provoking questions about modern societal issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pre-colonial Philippine society consisted of independent barangays, each led by a datu or chieftain.
• 😀 There were three main social groups in the barangay: nobles, free men, and dependents (alipin or uripon).
• 😀 The Spanish colonization started in 1565, following Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, which marked the beginning of over 300 years of Spanish rule.
• 😀 The pre-colonial Filipinos were not uncivilized, as the Spaniards claimed; they had laws, customs, and advanced cultural practices like tattooing and polytheism.
• 😀 Women in pre-colonial society held respected roles, contributing significantly to the community's welfare and livelihood.
• 😀 The Spanish colonizers imposed several policies, such as forced resettlement (reduction), taxation, and forced labor (polo y servicio).
• 😀 Spanish rule introduced a hierarchical society with Spaniards at the top and Filipinos at the bottom, with the church (priocracy) exerting significant control.
• 😀 Despite multiple uprisings against the Spanish, the lack of a unifying national identity among Filipinos led to the failure of these revolts.
• 😀 Filipino nationalism slowly emerged in the 19th century, influenced by the opening of the Philippines to international trade and the spread of European liberal ideas.
• 😀 José Rizal, from a middle-class family, studied in Europe, advocating for Filipino rights and calling for unity against Spanish oppression.
• 😀 Rizal's heroism was nurtured by the growing awareness of social issues and injustices in Filipino society, and he used his voice to demand change.

Q & A

What was the pre-colonial society in the Philippines like before the arrival of the Spaniards?

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Philippines was composed of independent communities called barangays. These barangays were led by a datu, or chieftain, and were governed by customary and written laws. Society was divided into nobles, free men, and dependents, with a distinct social order, and the people followed polytheistic beliefs and had their own system of writing.

Why is it incorrect to say that the Philippines was 'discovered' by Magellan?

It is incorrect to say that the Philippines was 'discovered' by Magellan because, prior to his arrival in 1521, the archipelago was already inhabited by various independent societies with their own civilizations. These communities were not 'discovered' but had established their own systems of governance, culture, and traditions.

What were the primary social classes in pre-colonial Filipino society?

In pre-colonial Filipino society, there were three primary social classes: the nobles, which included the datu and their families; the free men, who were free individuals that assisted in the welfare of the barangay; and the dependents, who were individuals in servitude, either due to unpaid debts, captured in battle, or born into servitude.

What were some myths propagated by the Spaniards regarding Filipino pre-colonial society?

One of the myths propagated by the Spaniards was that Filipinos should be thankful to them for bringing civilization to the country. This myth suggested that the pre-colonial Filipino society was uncivilized, which is not true. The Philippines had its own thriving civilizations, systems of law, culture, and religion before the Spanish arrived.

What were the main policies imposed by the Spaniards during their colonization of the Philippines?

The Spaniards imposed several policies, including reduction (forced resettlement of people to designated areas), taxation (through the buis and bandala taxes), and polo y servicio (forced labor). These policies contributed to the oppression of the native population, with violence and punishment used to enforce compliance.

How did the role of the church change during the Spanish colonial period?

During the Spanish colonial period, the church played a dominant role in governing the Philippines. The friars, who were supposed to be religious servants, held massive influence over both religious and governmental matters, often abusing their power for economic gain and political control.

What was the main reason why early Filipino uprisings against the Spanish failed?

Early Filipino uprisings against the Spanish failed mainly due to the lack of nationalism and unity among the Filipinos. Without a collective Filipino identity, the various uprisings were fragmented and lacked coordination, making it easier for the Spaniards to suppress them.

What factors contributed to the development of Filipino nationalism in the 19th century?

Filipino nationalism began to develop in the 19th century due to several factors, including the opening of the Philippines to international trade, which brought economic growth and new political ideas. The spread of European liberalism, which emphasized freedom, equality, and justice, also played a significant role, as did the increasing wealth of the middle class, who sent their children to Europe for education.

How did José Rizal contribute to the formation of Filipino nationalism?

José Rizal contributed to the formation of Filipino nationalism by using his education and platform to advocate for the rights of Filipinos. He wrote papers, speeches, and novels highlighting the abuses of the Spanish authorities and calling for unity among Filipinos. His works helped foster a national consciousness and identity.

What was the significance of Rizal's upbringing and education in the context of Filipino nationalism?

Rizal's upbringing in a middle-class family allowed him to receive formal education, including studies in Europe. His education exposed him to European liberal ideas and the injustices suffered by Filipinos under Spanish rule. This combination of personal experience and education shaped him into a key figure in the development of Filipino nationalism and resistance against oppression.