THE CONTEXT OF RIZAL: THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Summary

This video explores the global context during the time of José Rizal, focusing on the rise of liberalism and the decline of the Spanish Empire. It examines key historical events such as the abolition of serfdom in Russia and the emancipation of slaves in the United States, alongside the weakening of Spain's control over its colonies, including the Philippines. The video highlights how these shifts in political power and social change influenced Rizal’s views on nationalism and heroism, ultimately inspiring his advocacy for Philippine independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses the global context during the time of Jose Rizal's birth and his lifetime, highlighting the world scenario when Rizal was born and when he was gaining awareness of nationalism and heroism.
• 😀 During Rizal's time, European empires like the French, British, Dutch, Russian, and Spanish controlled vast colonies worldwide. These empires were efficient in maintaining their dominance.
• 😀 Two key characteristics of the world from 1861 to 1896 are the rise of liberalism and the decline of the Spanish Empire. These themes shaped Rizal’s environment.
• 😀 The rise of liberalism saw the spread of democratic ideals, equality of men, and human rights, which gained traction across Europe and led to a shift from monarchies to democratic systems of governance.
• 😀 In 1861, the Russian Empire abolished serfdom, granting freedom to 23 million farmers, marking an important shift in the Russian socio-political system.
• 😀 U.S. President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in 1861, signaling a major victory for human rights and ending the practice of slavery in the United States.
• 😀 Liberalism was spreading in the West, while the Spanish Empire began to decay due to corruption within its colonial government and the unholy union of the church and the state.
• 😀 The unjust treatment of the people in Spanish colonies, particularly the Philippines, was another key reason for the decline of the Spanish Empire, with natives being regarded as 'indios' (a derogatory term).
• 😀 Many Spanish colonies, including Mexico, Argentina, and Peru, gained independence in the early 1800s. The Philippines, however, would not declare independence until 1898.
• 😀 The Spanish Empire's decline became evident by the 1890s, with the Philippines nearing independence. Rizal's works, including his novels *Noli Me Tangere* and *El Filibusterismo*, were influential in stirring the desire for revolution among Filipinos.
• 😀 Rizal was born at a time when the world was ripe for change. The ideas of liberalism, the decline of Spanish rule, and growing nationalist sentiments made Rizal an instrumental figure in the Philippine fight for independence.

Q & A

What were the two main characteristics of the world from 1861 to 1896, according to the script?

The two main characteristics were the rise of liberalism and the decline of the Spanish Empire.

How did liberalism affect European countries during Rizal's time?

Liberalism spread the ideas of democracy, equality, and human rights. It also led to the transition from monarchies to parliamentary democracies in many European countries.

What was significant about the year 1861 in the context of José Rizal's life?

1861 was the year Dr. José Rizal was born, during a time when many global events related to liberalism and the rise of democratic ideas were occurring.

What major event occurred in Russia in 1861, and how did it relate to liberalism?

In 1861, Tsar Alexander II abolished serfdom, freeing 23 million farmers from the oppressive system. This event was part of the broader liberal movement for the recognition of human rights and equality.

How did the abolition of slavery in the U.S. influence the world during this period?

The abolition of slavery in the U.S. in 1861 marked a significant move toward equality and the end of racial oppression, contributing to the rise of liberal democratic ideals worldwide.

What led to the decline of the Spanish Empire during Rizal’s time?

The decline was due to factors like corruption in the colonial government, the union of church and state (which weakened governance), and the unjust treatment of colonized people, particularly in the Philippines.

Why were Spanish colonies like Mexico, Argentina, and Peru able to gain independence in the early 1800s?

These colonies fought wars of independence and won, largely due to the weakening power of Spain and the rise of liberal democratic movements across the globe.

How did José Rizal fit into the larger context of Philippine independence?

Rizal was born during a time when the Spanish Empire was weakening and the ideas of nationalism and revolution were spreading. His works and actions contributed significantly to the push for Philippine independence.

What role did the Catholic Church play in the decline of the Spanish Empire in the Philippines?

The Catholic Church, due to its close ties with the state, held more power than the government itself, leading to dissatisfaction and corruption, which contributed to the empire's decline.

How did Rizal’s writings contribute to the independence movement in the Philippines?

Rizal’s novels, particularly *Noli Me Tangere* and *El Filibusterismo*, awakened the consciousness of Filipinos about their oppression, inspiring movements for revolution and independence from Spain.