The Evil deeds of the Spaniards to the Filipino during Jose Rizal's time

Summary

The transcript outlines the political instability in Spain from 1808 to the late 19th century and its detrimental effects on the Philippines during Spanish colonial rule. It highlights the chaotic shifts in governance, rampant corruption among officials, and the systematic racial discrimination faced by Filipinos. Key figures, including Governor Generals and the influential role of friars, illustrate the oppressive social structure. The narrative also discusses forced labor, agrarian revolts, and the exploitation of local resources, emphasizing the struggle for rights and representation amidst the harsh realities of colonial life.

Takeaways

• 🌀 The chaotic reign of King Ferdinand VII (1808-1833) led to significant political instability in Spain, affecting its colonial administration.
• 🔄 Between 1834 and 1862, Spain adopted four constitutions and elected 28 parliaments, resulting in frequent changes in colonial policies and officials.
• 💰 Corruption among Spanish officials was rampant, with many enriching themselves through illegal means, negatively impacting the Philippine economy and governance.
• 😡 General Raphael de Izquierdo's execution of Filipino patriots like Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora incited widespread anger among Filipinos.
• 🏴‍☠️ Racial discrimination was a significant issue, with Filipinos regarded as inferior to Spaniards, despite claims of equality before God.
• ⚖️ The courts in the Philippines were characterized by corruption and inequality, making justice largely inaccessible for the poor.
• ⛪ Spanish friars wielded substantial power in the Philippines, controlling religious, educational, and local governance, often to the detriment of the local population.
• 🛠️ The polo system imposed forced labor on Filipino males for public works, with insufficient compensation and numerous abuses by authorities.
• 🌾 The bandala system forced provinces to sell their products to the government, further exploiting local farmers and contributing to agrarian revolts.
• 🚓 The creation of the Guardia Civil aimed to maintain order but instead resulted in widespread abuse and exploitation of the Filipino populace.

Q & A

What characterized the political instability in Spain from 1808 to 1833?

This period was marked by chaotic governance, including the adoption of four constitutions, the election of 28 parliaments, and the installation of over 529 ministers, leading to a cycle of political upheaval that affected colonial policies.

How did the political instability in Spain impact the Philippines?

The instability resulted in recurrent shifts in colonial policies and frequent changes in Spanish officials, which hampered economic and political conditions in the Philippines.

What role did corruption play in the Spanish colonial administration?

Corruption was rampant, with many Spanish officials enriching themselves through illegal means, such as bribery and exploitation of Filipino resources, leading to widespread abuse and mismanagement.

Who were the Gomburza, and why are they significant?

The Gomburza refers to three Filipino priests—Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—executed in 1872. They are considered martyrs of the Filipino nationalist movement and symbolize resistance against colonial oppression.

What was the 'polo' system, and how did it exploit Filipino labor?

The polo was a forced labor system requiring Filipino males aged 16 to 60 to work for 40 days a year on public projects, often without compensation, which exploited their labor for colonial interests.

How did the friars influence the social and political landscape in the Philippines?

Friars had immense control over local governance, education, and moral conduct, often acting as arbiters of power, which allowed them to maintain significant influence and accumulate wealth in the colonies.

What were the effects of racial discrimination in the Spanish colonial system?

Racial discrimination was pervasive, with Filipinos regarded as inferior to Spaniards. This resulted in unjust legal practices, where penalties for Filipinos were harsher compared to their Spanish counterparts.

What was the significance of Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes?

The representation aimed to give Filipinos a voice in governance, but it was largely ineffective, especially after its abolition in 1837, which left Filipinos without a means to address grievances against colonial authorities.

How did the agricultural policies impact Filipino peasants?

Spanish policies favored wealthy friars and landowners, resulting in widespread displacement of Filipino peasants from their ancestral lands, which led to agrarian revolts as they resisted exploitation.

What role did the Guardia Civil play in the Philippines during Spanish rule?

The Guardia Civil was created to maintain order but became notorious for its abuse of power, mistreating Filipinos, looting properties, and enforcing colonial oppression.