FRENCH REVOLUTION

POLITICAL

The French revolution was a period of time in France when the people overthrew the anarchy
and took control of the government, due to the governmental structure during that time that
discriminates the third estate consisting the middle class down to the poor. This revolution
caused the neighboring countries of France and the colonies of Spain to revolt as well. Thus,
the Philippine heroes especially Rizal and Bonifacio was inspired to pursue a revolution so that
the Philippines would also experience freedom and liberty and would have a better
governmental structure.

SOCIAL

The Philippine’s social structure during 19th century was ranked into three groups:

Highest class- the people that belong in this class include the Spaniards, peninsulares and the
friars.

Middle class- the people that belongs in this class includes the natives, mestizos and the
criollos.

Lowest class- this includes the Filipinos only.

With that, the French revolution caused some of the Filipinos to reform the social structure
which should be in favor of the Filipinos’ right.

ECONOMICAL

The French recognized the potentials of the Philippines in the trading sector, wherein they
discovered the potential use of abaca in the manufacture of naval supplies, particularly ropes.
Despite restrictions of Spanish colonial government's restrictions against foreign trade, French
and other foreign traders were already in Manila before it was formally opened for foreign trade.
Paris fashion became the standard in Manila. Foreign traders imported French products such as
stockings, muslin and linen cloth, umbrellas, gloves and coats in the Philippines while the
Filipinos exported most of its indigo to France.