Ang Komonwelt ng Pilipinas: 1935-1940

Summary

In this episode of Ibang Klaseng Klase, we delve into the pivotal era of the Philippine Commonwealth, a transitional period leading to the nation's independence. The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act set the stage, but it was the Tydings-McDuffie Act that paved the way for a 10-year transition. The Philippine Senate's approval led to the drafting of a new constitution and the inauguration of the Commonwealth government in 1935. Despite challenges like the Great Depression and agrarian unrest, the era was marked by ambitious nation-building policies. However, the onset of World War II cast a dark shadow over the young republic's hopeful future.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Philippine Commonwealth was a transitional period leading to full independence from the United States.
• 🗓️ The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act of 1932 was the initial step towards independence but was rejected by the Philippine Senate due to insufficient concessions.
• 📜 The Tydings-McDuffie Act in 1934 established a 10-year transition period for the Philippines to become independent, starting with the formation of a Commonwealth government.
• 🏙️ The Commonwealth was seen as a training period for the Philippine government, with the US providing guidance to ensure a smooth transition to self-sufficiency.
• 📊 A new constitution was created and ratified in 1935, laying the foundation for the independent nation.
• 🗳️ Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña were elected as the first leaders of the Commonwealth government in 1935.
• 🏗️ The Commonwealth period was marked by ambitious nation-building policies, including economic control, democratic reforms, and industrialization.
• 🤝 Despite the ambitious policies, there were uncertainties regarding the U.S. commitment to the future Republic of the Philippines, especially in military and diplomatic support.
• 🌾 Agrarian unrest due to the sharecropping system and population increase led to the initiation of an agrarian reform program during the Commonwealth era.
• ⚔️ The onset of the Second World War disrupted the progress made during the Commonwealth period, leading to significant challenges for the Philippines.

Q & A

What was the role of the American Governor-General in the Philippine government before 1935?

Before 1935, an American Governor-General appointed by the US President headed the Philippine government.

What was the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act and why was it rejected by the Philippine Senate?

The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act was a bill passed by the US Congress in December 1932 with the goal of granting complete independence to the Philippines. However, it was rejected by the Philippine Senate because it did not make key concessions such as ending American protectionist sugar tariffs and granting free trade to the newly independent Philippines.

How did the Tydings-McDuffie Act differ from the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act, and what was its significance?

The Tydings-McDuffie Act, enacted in 1934, established a 10-year transition period for the Philippines to become an independent country. It was different from the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act as it was more supportive of Philippine independence and was generally well-received in the Philippines.

What was the purpose of the Commonwealth government in the Philippines?

The Commonwealth government was established as a transitional step towards complete independence for the Philippines. It was seen as a training period where the United States would help guide policy decisions until the Philippines could stand on its own.

When was the Philippine Commonwealth government inaugurated and who were its first leaders?

The Commonwealth government was inaugurated on November 15, 1935. Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña of the Nacionalista Party were proclaimed the winners of the presidential elections held on September 16, 1935.

What were some of the ambitious nation-building policies undertaken by the Commonwealth government?

The Commonwealth government pursued policies such as the National Defense Act of 1935, greater control over the economy, reforms in education, improvement of transport, promotion of local capital, industrialization, and the colonization of Mindanao.

What were the uncertainties that remained during the Commonwealth period regarding the future of the Philippines?

During the Commonwealth period, uncertainties remained regarding the level of U.S. commitment to the future Republic of the Philippines, especially in areas such as diplomacy, military support in Southeast Asia, the state of the economy due to the Great Depression, and internal power struggles between Osmeña and Quezon.

What was the agrarian reform program initiated by the Commonwealth and why was it necessary?

The agrarian reform program was initiated to address the grievances of tenant farmers, often caused by debt due to the sharecropping system and the dramatic increase in population. The program aimed to alleviate these issues, but its success was hampered by ongoing clashes between tenants and landowners.

How did the Great Depression affect the Philippines during the Commonwealth period?

The Great Depression in the US had a significant impact on the Philippine economy, adding to the economic pressures faced by tenant farmers' families and the overall economic challenges during the Commonwealth period.

What was the general sentiment in the Philippines as independence approached?

As independence approached, there was a strong feeling of hope throughout the Philippines. The country had overcome struggles from the Great Depression, and people from all walks of life had their eyes set on the future.

What event shattered the hopes and progress of the Philippines during the Commonwealth period?

The hopes and progress of the Philippines were shattered when the country, along with the rest of the world, was plunged into the Second World War, which claimed the lives of many Filipinos and disrupted the path towards independence.