#RizalOnAir Ep. 2: 19th Century Philippines

Summary

In the 18th century, the Spanish Empire declined while Britain and France advanced with the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment ideals. This period saw the Philippines, a Spanish colony, shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture, engaging in the global market. The economic boom led to the rise of the Filipino middle class and intelligentsia, including figures like Jose Rizal. Education reforms and exposure to liberal ideas from Europe fostered a desire for social change, culminating in the Philippine Revolution against Spain.

Takeaways

• 🌍 By the end of the 18th century, the Spanish Empire was in decline while Britain was advancing with the Industrial Revolution.
• 🏛️ The French Revolution in 1789 sparked a wave of liberal ideas across Europe and influenced global politics.
• 🏭 The Industrial Revolution led to significant social, economic, and political changes due to advancements in technology and science.
• 🇪🇸 Spain, once a superpower, was lagging behind other Western European countries like Britain, France, and Germany.
• 🚢 The decline of Spain's economy was linked to the depletion of silver mines in its South American colonies and the end of the galleon trade.
• 🌾 The Philippines, a Spanish colony, began engaging in cash crop agriculture to supply raw materials for Western industries.
• 💼 The growth of the economy led to the emergence of a Filipino middle class and intelligentsia, including figures like Jose Rizal.
• 🏫 Educational reforms in the Philippines during the 19th century aimed to modernize the economy and meet the need for skilled labor.
• 🎓 The establishment of new schools and curriculums, including normal schools and law schools, reflected the push for educational advancement.
• 🌐 The Filipino elite began sending their children to study abroad, especially in Europe, to gain social capital and exposure to liberal ideas.
• 📚 The influence of European liberal thought and the desire for human rights and dignity resonated with the Filipino intelligentsia.

Q & A

What was the state of the Spanish Empire by the end of the 18th century?

By the end of the 18th century, the Spanish Empire was in a slow but steady decline, struggling to keep up with its European counterparts like Britain and France.

How did the Industrial Revolution in Britain affect its global influence?

The Industrial Revolution accelerated Britain's growth, giving it a dominant presence in the global market, particularly in trade, which extended as far as the Far East.

What impact did the French Revolution have on world history?

The French Revolution of 1789 significantly impacted world history by spreading Enlightenment ideals such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, influencing political and social movements in Europe and beyond.

How did Spain's economic decline affect its colonies, particularly the Philippines?

Spain's economic decline, especially after the silver mines in South America dried up, affected its colonies. In the Philippines, the end of the galleon trade and Mexico's revolution shifted the economy toward cash crop agriculture.

What role did foreign investors play in the Philippines' economy during the 19th century?

Foreign investors from Britain, the Netherlands, and the U.S. contributed capital for large-scale production of cash crops like tobacco, hemp, and sugar, which helped integrate the Philippines into the global economy.

How did the growing economy in the Philippines influence the rise of a Filipino middle class?

The economic shift towards commercial agriculture allowed mestizos and natives to lease land from friars and oversee production, accumulating wealth that enabled them to send their children to study in Manila and abroad, thus creating a middle class.

How did education reforms in the Philippines contribute to the rise of the intelligentsia, including José Rizal?

Reforms like the Educational Decree of 1863 established schools and a standard curriculum, promoting education among Filipinos. This gave rise to a skilled labor force and an educated class, of which José Rizal was a part.

What were the key liberal ideas that influenced the Philippine elite and intelligentsia during the 19th century?

Liberal ideas centered around equality, human dignity, and rights, which resonated with the Philippine elite, who had experienced discrimination at home. These ideas were reinforced by European liberal allies.

How did the changing political climate in Spain affect the Philippines during the 19th century?

Frequent changes in Spanish governors-general (24 between 1800 and 1860) led to inconsistent policies and reforms in the Philippines, making it difficult to implement educational and other reforms effectively.

What was the significance of the growing Filipino participation in cash crop agriculture during the 19th century?

Filipino involvement in cash crop agriculture allowed them to gain economic power and status, contributing to the formation of a Filipino middle class that played a critical role in the push for independence and reforms.