WEEK 6 Flashcards
o The Philippines was primarily an agricultural economy, with sugar, tobacco, rice,
and hemp as the primary exports to Spain and other European markets.
o Spanish colonial policies favored the economic interests of Spain, resulting in a
lack of industrial development and an over-dependence on agriculture.
o The monopoly system that Spain implemented over certain industries like
tobacco limited the growth of local entrepreneurship.
Economic Dependence on Spain
During the 19th century, the Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule, which significantly
shaped its economic landscape.
Economic Context of the Philippines in the 19th Century in the Context of Rizal
What are those four primarily agricultural economy
sugar, tobacco, rice,
and hemp
o By the late 19th century, there was the emergence of a middle class composed
of local Filipino merchants and landowners, many of whom were part of the
Illustrados (educated Filipinos).
o Rizal’s Family Background: Rizal’s family was part of this emerging class. His
father, Francisco Rizal, was a successful farmer and an industrious
businessman, which allowed José to receive a European education.
Rise of a Merchant Class
Rizal’s Family Background
Rizal’s family was part of this emerging class.
Who was Francisco Rizal?
José Rizal’s father, a successful farmer and industrious businessman.
o The vast majority of Filipinos lived in poverty, and the exploitation of local labor,
especially in the agricultural sector, was widespread.
o The encomienda system (a grant of land and labor to Spanish colonizers) was
replaced by landlordism, where rich Filipino and Spanish landlords owned large
tracts of land, often working Filipino peasants to the bone.
Economic Inequality and Exploitation
What was the encomienda system?
A grant of land and labor to Spanish colonizers.
What system replaced the encomienda system?
Landlordism.
Who owned large tracts of land under landlordism?
Rich Filipino and Spanish landlords.
In his writings, Rizal criticized the economic system that oppressed the Filipino
peasantry. He believed that the Spanish government and the Catholic Church
were largely responsible for the economic hardships faced by the Filipino people.
o Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo portray the poverty and social
injustice suffered by the Filipinos, particularly the farmers and workers.
Rizal’s Views on Economic Inequality
Social Context of the Philippines in the 19th Century in the Context of Rizal
Spanish colonialism deeply influenced the social structure of the Philippines during the 19th
century, creating a rigid social hierarchy.
o The Filipino society was divided into several social classes: the peninsulares
(Spaniards born in Spain), the insulares (Spaniards born in the Philippines), the
mestizos (children of Filipino and Spanish parents), and the Indios (native
Filipinos). The Indios were the lowest in the hierarchy.
o Social mobility was limited, and discrimination against Filipinos was common.
Spanish Dominance and the Caste System
o Education was limited to the elites, mainly the Spaniards and mestizos. Most
Filipinos, especially the lower classes, did not have access to education.
o The Jesuit and Franciscan missions controlled the educational system, and
their curricula were often used to enforce Catholic doctrine and loyalty to
Spain.
Inequality in Education
o The Catholic Church played a significant role in the social structure of the
Philippines, not only in religious affairs but also in political and economic matters.
o Rizal’s Critique of the Church: Rizal, particularly in Noli Me Tangere, criticized
the powerful position of the church in the social and political life of the
Philippines. He pointed out how the clergy, especially friars, abused their power
and exploited the Filipino people.
Role of the Catholic Church
o Rizal used his writings to advocate for social change, emphasizing the need for
education, equality, and reforms. His call for social justice is reflected in his
criticism of the clergy’s control over education and the lives of Filipinos.
o He emphasized the importance of Philippine nationalism and the need for a
Filipino identity, free from the oppression of foreign rulers.
Rizal’s Advocacy for Social Reform
The 19th century was a time of significant change in the Philippines, marked by the growing unrest and calls for reform.
Political Context of the Philippines in the 19th Century in the Context of Rizal
o The Philippines was a colony of Spain for over 300 years, and during the 19th
century, the Spanish government imposed heavy taxes, limited political
participation, and denied Filipinos self-governance.
o Rizal’s Struggle Against Political Oppression: Rizal, in both Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, highlighted the deep-rooted political corruption, the abuse
of power by both the Spanish colonial government and the clergy, and the
denial of rights to Filipinos.
Spanish Colonial Rule
o The Propaganda Movement, led by Filipino intellectuals and reformists like
Rizal, Graciano López Jaena, and Mariano Ponce, called for reforms such as
representation in the Spanish Cortes (parliament), better educational
systems, and the abolition of corrupt practices.
o Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere was a key work that spoke out against the abuses by
Spanish officials and the Catholic Church, calling for justice and equality.
The Propaganda Movement
o In the 19th century, Filipinos were increasingly frustrated with Spanish rule. The
rise of the Illustrados (educated Filipinos), who had studied in Europe, led to the
development of nationalist sentiments.
o Rizal, in his writings, encouraged Filipinos to fight for their rights and to seek
political reforms rather than resort to violent revolution.
The Growing Nationalist Movement
o Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, by the Spanish authorities for his
alleged involvement in the Philippine Revolution. His death, however, inspired a
widespread nationalist movement that eventually led to the Philippine
Revolution and the country’s independence.
Rizal’s Execution and its Political Impact
Cultural Context of the Philippines in the 19th Century in the Context of Rizal
The cultural situation in the Philippines during the 19th century was largely influenced by
Spanish colonialism, which deeply affected Filipino identity, language, and culture.
o Spanish colonial rule led to the widespread adoption of Catholicism, which had a
profound effect on Filipino culture, traditions, and customs. The Church played a
dominant role in the everyday life of Filipinos, influencing religious practices,
festivals, and even the arts.
o Rizal, in his works, often criticized how the church suppressed Filipino cultural
practices and traditions, imposing Spanish cultural norms and values upon them.
The Influence of the Spanish Catholic Church
o Spanish colonization resulted in the decline of native Filipino cultural
practices. Traditional Filipino languages, arts, and rituals were suppressed in
favor of Spanish customs.
o Rizal’s Role in Reviving Filipino Culture: Rizal encouraged the Filipinos to
embrace their native culture and history. Through his works, he highlighted the
importance of preserving Filipino heritage and national pride.
Cultural Degradation and the Rise of Filipino Identity
o The Illustrados, the educated class of Filipinos who studied abroad, became
increasingly influential during the 19th century. They began to push for reforms
and cultural revival. Many of them, including Rizal, were heavily influenced by
the Enlightenment ideas from Europe, which emphasized reason, individual
rights, and freedom.
o Rizal’s works, including his novels, essays, and poems, were pivotal in the
formation of a Filipino identity that sought to blend European ideals with
Filipino traditions.
The Role of the Illustrados
o Rizal’s works, especially Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, were cultural
responses to the colonial domination of the Spanish. Through his writings,
Rizal challenged the cultural and moral decay caused by Spanish rule and urged
Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedom.
o He used literature to create awareness among Filipinos of the cultural, social,
and political problems affecting them, encouraging them to take pride in their
identity and native roots.
Rizal’s Literary Works as Cultural Tools
José Rizal’s life and works were deeply intertwined with the economic, social, political, and
cultural conditions of the 19th-century Philippines. His advocacy for reform, justice, and national
identity in the face of Spanish oppression remains a powerful reminder of the importance of
education, culture, and self-awareness in overcoming colonial subjugation. His critiques of the
economic inequality, social injustice, political corruption, and cultural degradation under
Spanish rule laid the foundation for the Philippine Revolution and the country’s eventual
independence.
Rizal’s Legacy in the 19th-Century
