The Philippines’ Struggles for Independence

Summary

This video explores the complex history behind the Philippines' declaration of independence on June 12, 1898. It details the colonization by Spain, the influence of Jose Rizal, and the rise of the revolutionary group Katipunan. The script recounts how Filipino forces fought both the Spanish and later the Americans, who took control after the Spanish-American War. Despite the official U.S. recognition of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946, the country honors June 12, 1898, as a symbol of their struggle and resistance against colonial powers.

Takeaways

• 🇵🇭 The Philippines celebrated its 120th anniversary of independence from Spain on June 12, 2018.
• 🇪🇸 Spain colonized the Philippines in the 16th century, implementing the encomienda system for agriculture and trade.
• 🌍 Prior to Spanish rule, the Philippines had long interacted with Chinese and Arab merchants.
• ✝️ The Spanish Crown enforced Christianity, changing traditional religious practices and governance in the Philippines.
• 📚 By the 19th century, wealthy Filipinos accessed education abroad, fostering liberal and nationalist ideas.
• ✊ José Rizal inspired many Filipinos, leading to the formation of the revolutionary group Katipunan.
• ⚔️ The Philippine Revolution began in 1896, and in 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence from Spain.
• 🇺🇸 Despite their victory, the Philippines were transferred to U.S. control under the 1898 Treaty of Paris.
• 🎖️ Filipino guerrilla warfare against U.S. rule lasted until Aguinaldo’s capture in 1901, which led to Filipino acceptance of U.S. governance.
• 🎉 The U.S. granted the Philippines full independence on July 4, 1946, but the Philippines celebrate June 12, 1898, as their true Independence Day.

Q & A

What event was celebrated by the Philippines on June 12, 2018?

On June 12, 2018, the Philippines celebrated the 120th anniversary of their declaration of independence from Spain in 1898.

How long did Spain colonize the Philippines, and for what purposes?

Spain colonized the Philippines for nearly 300 years, beginning in the 16th century, using it for agricultural purposes under the encomienda system and for trade with the East Indies and China.

What system did the Spanish Crown replace the encomienda with, and why?

The Spanish Crown replaced the encomienda system with crown officials to ensure the colony was defended, dues were paid, and Filipinos were instructed in and restricted to practicing Christianity.

Who was Jose Rizal, and what role did he play in Philippine history?

Jose Rizal was a Filipino writer who rallied Filipinos to the cause of reform. His arrest and execution by the Spanish led to the formation of the Katipunan, an underground revolutionary group.

When did the Philippine Revolution begin, and why?

The Philippine Revolution began in August 1896, after the Katipunan, an underground revolutionary group, was discovered by Spanish authorities, forcing them to act quickly.

Why did the Philippine revolutionaries declare independence on June 12, 1898?

The revolutionaries, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, declared independence on June 12, 1898, after securing victories over Spain, taking advantage of the Spanish-American War to fight for their freedom.

What was the result of the 1898 Treaty of Paris concerning the Philippines?

The 1898 Treaty of Paris transferred control of the Philippines from Spain to the United States, rather than granting the country independence.

How did Filipinos react to U.S. control after the Treaty of Paris?

Filipino forces fought a guerrilla war against U.S. control until their leader Emilio Aguinaldo was captured in 1901, after which he encouraged Filipinos to accept the new regime.

What was the purpose of the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1933?

The Tydings-McDuffie Act set 1945 as the date for Philippine independence and initiated a 10-year period of U.S.-supervised Filipino self-government under the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Why is June 12, 1898, celebrated as Philippine Independence Day instead of July 4, 1946?

June 12, 1898, is celebrated as Philippine Independence Day to commemorate Emilio Aguinaldo's declaration of independence from Spain, symbolically rebuking both Spain and the U.S., even though official independence came on July 4, 1946.