The Philippines During Rizal's Time (Video Lesson Part 1)

Summary

This video script discusses the Philippines in the 19th century under Spanish rule, focusing on social structure, political system, education, and economic development. It outlines the strategies of evangelization and colonization, the establishment of governance from national to barangay levels, and the significant influence of friars. The script also highlights the corruption within the government, the social stratification discriminating against natives, and the pushback against friars by Filipino reformers, including national heroes like Rizal.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The 19th century in the Philippines was characterized by Spanish colonial rule, which included evangelization and colonization strategies.
• 🌐 The Philippines was governed indirectly by Spain through Mexico, with the Governor General as the chief executive and head of state and church.
• 🏛️ The Spanish colonial government was divided into national, provincial, municipal, and barrio levels, each with specific powers and responsibilities.
• 🤝 The friars, or religious orders, played a significant role in the colonial government, often overshadowing the Governor General in influence.
• 🏢 The provincial government, headed by the Alcalde Mayor, was considered the most corrupt branch of the Spanish colonial government.
• 🏛️ The friars' control over the colonial government led to a situation where enemies of the church were also considered enemies of the state.
• 🌐 The representation of the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes was eventually abolished, unlike Cuba and Puerto Rico which regained their representation rights.
• 🏡 The Spanish introduced a new social stratification system that discriminated against native Filipinos, with Peninsulares at the top and Indios at the bottom.
• 🏛️ The concept of 'Freilocracy', or the union of church and state, was prevalent during the Spanish colonial period, with friars controlling religious, educational, and political aspects of society.
• 🏢 The friars' excessive power led to corruption and abuse, with them being seen as enemies of liberal reforms and modern progress by Filipino reformers and national heroes.

Q & A

What were the two strategies used by Spain to establish control in the Philippines?

The two strategies used by Spain were evangelization and colonization.

Who established the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines and when?

The first Spanish settlement in the Philippines was established in Cebu in 1565.

What was the indigenous form of government in the Philippines before Spanish colonization?

Before Spanish colonization, the indigenous form of government was the barangay, headed by a native leader called a datu.

How did the Spanish colonization affect the Filipino people's culture and practices?

Spanish colonization forced Filipino people to adopt foreign ways or practices, including Spanish culture and traditions.

Who was the first Governor General of the Philippines and who was the last before the end of Spanish rule?

The first Governor General of the Philippines was not mentioned in the script, but the last one was Jago de los Rios.

What was the role of Mexico in the governance of the Philippines during the 19th century?

During the 19th century, the Philippines was indirectly ruled by Mexico as a representative of the Spanish king.

What were the four levels of government in the Spanish colonial Philippines?

The four levels of government were the national government, provincial government, municipal government, and the barrio or barangay government.

What were the responsibilities of the Governor General in the Spanish colonial Philippines?

The Governor General was the chief executive of the archipelago, head of state and church, commander-in-chief of the military, had the power to pardon prisoners, and decide on different issues in the country.

How did the friars influence the colonial government in the Philippines?

The friars could easily influence the Governor General and became the rulers of municipalities, controlling different aspects of society like education, trading, and the economy.

What was the social stratification imposed by the Spanish in the Philippines during the 19th century?

The social stratification was divided into Peninsulares, Insulares, Criollos, and Indios, with Peninsulares at the highest level and Indios at the bottom.

What was the significance of the secularization of the Filipino priests in the 19th century?

The secularization, or the separation of church and state, led to the friars controlling religious and educational life, acquiring political power, influence, and wealth, and even influencing the Governor General.