THE PHILIPPINES IN THE 19TH CENTURY AS RIZAL'S CONTEXT Flashcards
What was the significance of the 19th-century political, economic, and social conditions in the Philippines for understanding Jose Rizal’s life and work?
The 19th-century conditions in the Philippines shaped Rizal’s fight for reforms. His efforts were driven by the political struggles of Filipinos, the economic exploitation imposed by the Spanish government, and the social realities of his time, particularly the influence of the friars.
How did Spanish rule impact the Philippines from 1565 onwards?
Spanish rule disrupted Filipino culture, government, and development. Filipinos were forced to adopt Spanish Catholicism, lost ancestral lands to the encomienda system, and experienced significant changes in governance and laws.
Who was the highest Spanish leader in the Philippines during the 19th century, and what were their powers?
The Governor General, appointed by the Spanish King, headed the central administration. They were the king’s representative in governmental matters and the Vice-Royal Patron over religious matters. They had the power to choose laws to implement, assign taxes, lead the military, and pardon prisoners.
What was the role of the Alcalde Mayor in the Spanish colonial government?
The Alcalde Mayor governed provinces. They had similar powers to the Governor General but only within their province. They were responsible for administration, justice, and military matters.
Who were the ‘principalia’ and what was their role in the election of the Gobernadorcillo?
The ‘principalia’ were a group of influential Filipinos, including former heads of barangays, who elected the Gobernadorcillo, the highest position a Filipino could hold in the colonial government.
What were the main duties of the Cabeza de Barangay?
The Cabeza de Barangay was responsible for collecting taxes and tributes. They received a percentage of tax proceeds and church tax to cover costs of fiestas.
What were the limitations on Filipino suffrage during the 19th century in the Philippines?
Only educated Filipino males, 23 years or older, who owned property and paid significant taxes could vote.
How was the Governor General’s power checked?
The Governor General’s power was checked by the Residencia, who monitored local officials for abuse, and the Visitador, who periodically inspected officials.
What was the role of the friars in the Spanish colonial government?
The friars played a significant role in the establishment of the Spanish colonial government, leading to ‘frailocracia’ (monastic supremacy). They influenced the Governor General and controlled municipalities, education, trade, haciendas, and the economy.
What was the impact of the friars’ dominance on Filipino priests?
Spanish priests dominated parishes, taking control from Filipino priests. Church enemies were treated as government enemies, as seen in the cases of Gomburza and Jose Rizal.
What were some of the abuses committed by Spanish government officials?
The Governor General’s excessive powers led to corruption. Officials exploited their positions for personal gain, favoring allies, penalizing opponents, and selling government positions. The Alcalde Mayor was particularly corrupt, controlling provincial trade and collecting excessive taxes.
How did political instability in Spain affect the Philippines?
Frequent changes in colonial policies and officials in the Philippines resulted from political instability in Spain. This led to a lack of consistent governance and a rapid turnover of Governor Generals.
What was the significance of the Spanish Constitution of 1812 for Filipinos?
While Spaniards enjoyed various freedoms and rights under the Constitution, Filipinos were denied these, highlighting a lack of equality.
How did the Spanish colonial authorities contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church?
While Spanish missionaries preached the equality of all men before God, the colonial authorities viewed Filipinos as inferior subjects to be exploited. Filipinos faced abuse, persecution, and injustice.
What were some of the problems with the judicial system in the Philippines during Rizal’s time?
The courts were known for corruption and inefficiency. Spanish judges and court officials were often incompetent and dishonest. Justice was expensive and biased, making it inaccessible to poor Filipinos.
What injustices did Jose Rizal and his family face under Spanish rule?
Doña Teodora, Rizal’s mother, was unjustly arrested and jailed twice. Rizal was deported to Dapitan without a trial and later executed. His brother Paciano and brothers-in-law were exiled without due process. Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora (Gomburza) were executed as victims of Spanish miscarriage of justice.
What was the encomienda system, and how did it impact the Filipinos?
The encomienda system granted land and inhabitants to Spanish colonizers as a reward for their service. It effectively turned native landowners into slaves on their own properties, subject to taxation and forced labor.
What were the different types of encomiendas?
There were three types: Royal Encomienda (taxes went to the King), Ecclesiastical Encomienda (taxes went to the Church), and Privado Encomienda (granted to the king’s friends).
How did the encomienda system transition into the hacienda system?
The Spanish colonial government abolished the encomienda system and converted the land into haciendas, which were owned by Spanish officials and the friars.
What were the rights and restrictions of the encomendero?
Encomenderos had the right to collect taxes, monitor peace and order, and govern the land. However, they were not allowed to live inside the encomienda to avoid direct communication with the natives.
What was the impact of the hacienda system on rural Filipinos?
Rural Filipinos, who had farmed the land for generations, became tenants and resented losing their ancestral lands. The friars’ ownership of the haciendas became a source of resentment and led to agrarian revolts.
What was the role of the Spanish Cortes (parliament) in the Philippines?
The Philippines was represented in the Spanish Cortes during the first period (1810-1813), which brought positive benefits for the colony. However, representation was abolished in 1837, leading to worsening conditions in the Philippines.
Who were some of the Filipino patriots who fought for the restoration of Philippine representation in the Cortes?
Graciano Lopez Jaena was one of the prominent figures who advocated for the restoration of representation.
Why was the lack of Philippine representation in the Cortes seen as an injustice?
Spain granted representation to Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Cortes but not to the Philippines, despite the Philippines’ lack of representation.
