DITIONS IN THE 19TH CENTURY WORLD OF RIZAL

THE PHILIPPINE DURING THE 19TH CENTURY

The 19  century marked as very dynamic and productive age mainly in continents Europe and
th

Asia.

1. Struggle for Nationalism

• The French Revolution

Rather than affect the economic landscape of the Philippines, the French Revolution affected the
political tone of the 19th century. The revolution was a period of social and political upheaval
and in France the governmental structure was transformed from monarchy to a democratic
government based on the principles of citizenship. Spain was particularly affected by this
revolution and suffered a century of turbulent political disturbances.

• The American Revolution

Unlike the economic effects of the Industrial Revolution and the political effects of the French
Revolution, the American Revolution played a role on the democratic aspirations of the Filipino
reformist that was led by Rizal in the 19th century. The political upheaval of the American
Revolution led to North America overthrowing the British Empire and rejecting their monarchy.

These three major events of the 18th and 19th centuries had an effect on Rizal and his work. The
turbulent environments encourage Rizal to become a strong political figure, something that
would eventually lead to his execution.

2. Spread of Liberalism and democracy

Rise and Gradual Spread of Liberalism and Democracy -The principal ideas of liberalism- liberty
and equality- were first realized successfully in the American Revolution and then achieved in
part in the French Revolution. This political and social philosophy challenged conservatism in
the European continent. -Liberalism demanded representative government as opposed to
autocratic monarchy, equality before the law as opposed to legally separate classes. The idea of
liberty also meant to specific individual freedoms: freedom of the press; freedom of speech,
freedom of assembly; and freedom from arbitrary arrest.

Rise and Gradual Spread of Liberalism and Democracy -Democracy became a way of life in
many European countries, like Britain, Belgium, and Switzerland. -Democracy was gradually
established thru the following means: *promulgation of laws that advance democracy;
*undertaking of reforms thru legislation; abolition of slavery; *adoption of a liberal constitution;
providing the citizens the *opportunity to propose laws; *adoption of manhood suffrage; and
*granting of political, economic and social rights to the people.

3. Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution One of the most crucial developments in the 19th century was the
Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution refers to the transformation of manufacturing
brought about by the invention and use of the machines. This development started in England
and later on spread into Belgium, France, Germany, and even in the United States.

Positive effects of industrial revolution; The rise of the factory system; Mass production of
essential and non-essential goods; Improvement of people’s standard of living; Greater
urbanization of society; Beginnings of specialization or division of labor; Invention of labor-
saving devices; The beginnings of industrial capitalism; Fostering of liberalism and nationalism;
and Encouragement of people’s mobililty.

Negative effects of Industrial Revolution; -Widening of gap between the rich and the poor;
-Unending economic warfare between labor and capital and other environmental problems
-Beginning of child and women labor; and -Intensification of imperialistic rivalry between and
among industrialized countries. In the Philippines, it caused the displacement of the farmers from
their lands.

4. Advent of Science

The Advancement of Science The triumph of science and technology had at least three
significant consequences. - First, everyday experience and innumerable scientists impressed the
importance of science on the mind of ordinary citizens. -Second, as a science became more
prominent in popular thinking, the philosophical implication of science spread to broad sections
of the population. Technical advances led the people to develop optimistic faith in man’s
capability to achieved progress. -Third, the methods of science acquired unrivaled prestige after
1850. For many, the union of careful experiment and abstract theory was the only route to truth
and objective reality.

5. Optimism and Confidence in Progress

Optimism and Confidence in Progress Optimism or faith in society and man’s ability to progress
was brought about by the advancement of science, the coming of steam-powered industry, and
the spread of liberalism and socialism. The optimism of the century was summed by Marquis de
Condorcet in his work, Sketch for the Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind. He
saw that “the strongest reason for believing that nature has set no limit to the realization of our
hopes” and foresaw “the abolition of inequality between nations, the progress of equality within
nations, and the true perfection of humanity. Progress was now independent of any power that
might wish to halt it and will never be reversed.”

Optimism and confidence in progress can be gleaned from the achievements of men in the 19th
century. Notable among these were the following; -Extensions of human rights to many people;
-Promotion of higher education for men and women; -Education for nationalism in schools;
-Investment in science to serve mankind; -Improvement of public health thru the establishment
of numerous, hospitals; and -Emergence of realistic literature, depicting the life of the time

  6. POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN SPAIN

Sources of abuses in the administrative system:

1. Appointment of officials with inferior qualification, without dedication to duty and more
strength to resist corruption for material advancement.

 2. Too complicated function (union of the church and state)

3. Manner of obtaining the position >royal appointment >appointed by governor-general

>highest bidder

 4. Term of office >dependent on the desire of the king

 5. Distance of the colony >ignorance of the needs of the Philippines >inadequate administrative
supervision >overlapping of powers and privilages of officials

 6. Personal interest over the welfare of the state ALCALDIAS OR ALCALDE >most corrupt
>administrator, judge, military commandant >P25/month with liberal allowances and privilages
>Indulto para comerciar: monopoly on trade/business practices >provincial judge 

7. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

Criticisms: a.) Overemphasis on religious matters b.) Obsolete teaching methods c.) Limited
curriculum d.) Poor classroom facilities e.) Absence of teaching materials f.) Primary education
was neglected g.) Absence of academic freedom h.) Prejudice against Filipinos i.) Friar control
over the system ● Educational decree of 1863: the establishment of teacher training schools and
for government supervision of public school system. 

8.  ECONOMIC SITUATION

Factors that contributed to the development of Filipino Nationalism

1. Opening of the Philippines to international Trade and the Rise of the Middle Class This
brought prosperity to the Filipinos and Chinese mestizo resulting to the existence of a middle
class

 2. Influx of European liberalism Ideas of the enlightened philosophers like John Locke and Jean
Jacques Rosseau, mansonry and the French revolution reached the Philippines. Liberty, religious
freedom, democracy, human rights such as suffrage, freedom of speech, press and form
associations and assemblies
3. Opening of the Suez canal on November 17, 1869 Connects Mediterranean and red sea;
shortened distance between Europe and orient Results; a.) Philippines became closer to Europe
and Spain b.) Encouraged European travellers to come to our country c.) Exodus of liberal ideas
from Europe to the Philippines d.) More educated and young Filipinos were able to study abroad.

4. Spanish revolution of 1868 and the liberal regime of Carlos Maria dela Torre (1869-1871)
Glorious September revolution of 1868: Queen Isabela II was overthrown resulting to the rise of
liberalism in Spain. Generals Juan Prim and Francisco Serrano appointed dela Torre as the
governor-general in the Philippines (true democrat) Most liberal governor-general Walked on the
streets in civilian clothes and dismissed his albaderos (halbeldiers) (the governor security guards)
and went unescorted. Accomplishments: 1. Abolished censorship of the press and allowed
unlimited discussions of political problems and proclaimed freedom of speech 2. Abolished
flogging as a punishment 3. Curtailed abuses, particularly the tribute and the polo 4. Allowed
seculiar priest to be assigned to vacant parishes or seminaries and created an office which would
prevent abuses by members of the regular religious orders. 5. Reformed the Royal Audencia to
bring about speedier administration of justice. 6. Decreed educational reforms, ordered the
setting up of medical, pharmacy, and vocational schools. 7. Created the council of the
Philippines on December 4, 1870 which was consultative body to study Philippine problems and
propose solutions to them. 

9. The Term of Gov.Gen RAFAEL DE IZQUIERDO

(1871-1873) The Cavite Mutiny of 1872 and the Execution of GomBurZa (February 17, 1872)
Monarchy was restored in Spain, Prince Amadeo of savoy, son of Victor Emmanuel I ascended
the throne in 1870 April 4, 1871: Izquierdo became the governor-general; “with crucifix in one
hand as a sword in the other” (a) restored press censorship (b) prohibited all talk on political
matters and secularization of the parishes (c) disapproved the establishment of arts and trades in
manila (d) dismissed natives and mestizos in the civil and military service Cavite mutiny
(January 20, 1872): about 2 Filipino soldiers and workers in Fort San Felipe mutinied, under the
leadership of Sgt. La Madrid; caused by Izquierdos abolition of the exemption of Filipino
workers from polo and paying tributes: mutineers were able to kill fort commander and some
soldiers; mutiny leaders and participants were arrested and shot to death Gomburza , fought for
the Filipinization of parishes and champions of liberalism and humanitarianism, and were
charged of sedition and rebellion due to the false testimony of Francisco Zaldua (former
Bicolano soldier and was bribed by the Spanish prosecutors to implicate them as the
masterminds of mutiny) Military court: three priest guilty and sentenced them to die by Garrote

THE DIFFERENT SOCIO-ECONOMIC POLICIES IMPOSED BY THE SPANIARDS

1.   REDUCCION

The natives are forced to live in place near the center and they could hear the sound of the bell.
This policy was implemented so that the government and parish priest could easily monitor them
and for the easy conversion to Catholicism.

 
2.   BANDALA

The natives are obliged to sell their products to the Spaniards even in the lowest price and
sometimes the Spaniards will just issue some promissory notes

3.   FORCED LABOR OR POLO Y SERVICIOS

The word polo is actually a corruption of the Tagalog pulong which means meeting of persons
and things or community labor. Drafted laborers were either Filipinos or Chinese male mestizos
who were obligated to give personal service to community projects, like construction and repair
of infrastructure, church construction or cutting logs in forest for forty (40) days. All able-body
males, from 16-60 years old were required to render labor for those various projects in the
colony.

4.   TAXATION

The natives are paying different types of taxes which included the cedula, sanctorum, donativo
de Zamboanga and the tribute.

5.   TRIBUTE

As a sign of vassalage to Spain, the Filipinos paid tribute to the colonial government in the
island. The tribute was fixed at eight reales  or in kindo gold, blankets, cotton, rice, bells.

 References:

Laurel, Jose B. Jr. 1960. The Trials of the Rizal Bill. Historical Bulletin 4(2): 130-39

Constantino Renato. 1969. The Rizal Law and the Catholic Hierarchy. In the Making of a
Filipino; A Story of Philippine Colonial Politics, 244-47.Quezon City: The Author

Pangilinan, Michael C et al. Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. A Modular Approach Based on
the New CHED Curriciulum. Mindshapers Co., Inc

Schumacher, John. 2011. The Rizal Bill of 1956: Horacio De La Costa and the Bishops.
Philippine Studies 59(4): 529-53

 
 

Show more...

This lesson is not ready to be taken.

Description

The 19  century marked as very dynamic and productive age mainly in continents Europe and
th

Asia.

1. Struggle for Nationalism

• The French Revolution

Rather than affect the economic landscape of the Philippines, the French Revolution affected the
political tone of the 19th century. The revolution was a period of social and political upheaval
and in France the governmental structure was transformed from monarchy to a democratic
government based on the principles of citizenship. Spain was particularly affected by this
revolution and suffered a century of turbulent political disturbances.

• The American Revolution

Unlike the economic effects of the Industrial Revolution and the political effects of the French
Revolution, the American Revolution played a role on the democratic aspirations of the Filipino
reformist that was led by Rizal in the 19th century. The political upheaval of the American
Revolution led to North America overthrowing the British Empire and rejecting their monarchy.

These three major events of the 18th and 19th centuries had an effect on Rizal and his work. The
turbulent environments encourage Rizal to become a strong political figure, something that
would eventually lead to his execution.

2. Spread of Liberalism and democracy

Rise and Gradual Spread of Liberalism and Democracy -The principal ideas of liberalism- liberty
and equality- were first realized successfully in the American Revolution and then achieved in
part in the French Revolution. This political and social philosophy challenged conservatism in
the European continent. -Liberalism demanded representative government as opposed to
autocratic monarchy, equality before the law as opposed to legally separate classes. The idea of
liberty also meant to specific individual freedoms: freedom of the press; freedom of speech,
freedom of assembly; and freedom from arbitrary arrest.
Rise and Gradual Spread of Liberalism and Democracy -Democracy became a way of life in
many European countries, like Britain, Belgium, and Switzerland. -Democracy was gradually
established thru the following means: *promulgation of laws that advance democracy;
*undertaking of reforms thru legislation; abolition of slavery; *adoption of a liberal constitution;
providing the citizens the *opportunity to propose laws; *adoption of manhood suffrage; and
*granting of political, economic and social rights to the people.

3. Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution One of the most crucial developments in the 19th century was the
Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution refers to the transformation of manufacturing
brought about by the invention and use of the machines. This development started in England
and later on spread into Belgium, France, Germany, and even in the United States.

Positive effects of industrial revolution; The rise of the factory system; Mass production of
essential and non-essential goods; Improvement of people’s standard of living; Greater
urbanization of society; Beginnings of specialization or division of labor; Invention of labor-
saving devices; The beginnings of industrial capitalism; Fostering of liberalism and nationalism;
and Encouragement of people’s mobililty.

Negative effects of Industrial Revolution; -Widening of gap between the rich and the poor;
-Unending economic warfare between labor and capital and other environmental problems
-Beginning of child and women labor; and -Intensification of imperialistic rivalry between and
among industrialized countries. In the Philippines, it caused the displacement of the farmers from
their lands.

4. Advent of Science

The Advancement of Science The triumph of science and technology had at least three
significant consequences. - First, everyday experience and innumerable scientists impressed the
importance of science on the mind of ordinary citizens. -Second, as a science became more
prominent in popular thinking, the philosophical implication of science spread to broad sections
of the population. Technical advances led the people to develop optimistic faith in man’s
capability to achieved progress. -Third, the methods of science acquired unrivaled prestige after
1850. For many, the union of careful experiment and abstract theory was the only route to truth
and objective reality.

5. Optimism and Confidence in Progress

Optimism and Confidence in Progress Optimism or faith in society and man’s ability to progress
was brought about by the advancement of science, the coming of steam-powered industry, and
the spread of liberalism and socialism. The optimism of the century was summed by Marquis de
Condorcet in his work, Sketch for the Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind. He
saw that “the strongest reason for believing that nature has set no limit to the realization of our
hopes” and foresaw “the abolition of inequality between nations, the progress of equality within
nations, and the true perfection of humanity. Progress was now independent of any power that
might wish to halt it and will never be reversed.”

Optimism and confidence in progress can be gleaned from the achievements of men in the 19th
century. Notable among these were the following; -Extensions of human rights to many people;
-Promotion of higher education for men and women; -Education for nationalism in schools;
-Investment in science to serve mankind; -Improvement of public health thru the establishment
of numerous, hospitals; and -Emergence of realistic literature, depicting the life of the time

  6. POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN SPAIN

Sources of abuses in the administrative system:

1. Appointment of officials with inferior qualification, without dedication to duty and more
strength to resist corruption for material advancement.

 2. Too complicated function (union of the church and state)

3. Manner of obtaining the position >royal appointment >appointed by governor-general

>highest bidder

 4. Term of office >dependent on the desire of the king

 5. Distance of the colony >ignorance of the needs of the Philippines >inadequate administrative
supervision >overlapping of powers and privilages of officials

 6. Personal interest over the welfare of the state ALCALDIAS OR ALCALDE >most corrupt
>administrator, judge, military commandant >P25/month with liberal allowances and privilages
>Indulto para comerciar: monopoly on trade/business practices >provincial judge 

7. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

Criticisms: a.) Overemphasis on religious matters b.) Obsolete teaching methods c.) Limited
curriculum d.) Poor classroom facilities e.) Absence of teaching materials f.) Primary education
was neglected g.) Absence of academic freedom h.) Prejudice against Filipinos i.) Friar control
over the system ● Educational decree of 1863: the establishment of teacher training schools and
for government supervision of public school system. 

8.  ECONOMIC SITUATION

Factors that contributed to the development of Filipino Nationalism

1. Opening of the Philippines to international Trade and the Rise of the Middle Class This
brought prosperity to the Filipinos and Chinese mestizo resulting to the existence of a middle
class
 2. Influx of European liberalism Ideas of the enlightened philosophers like John Locke and Jean
Jacques Rosseau, mansonry and the French revolution reached the Philippines. Liberty, religious
freedom, democracy, human rights such as suffrage, freedom of speech, press and form
associations and assemblies

3. Opening of the Suez canal on November 17, 1869 Connects Mediterranean and red sea;
shortened distance between Europe and orient Results; a.) Philippines became closer to Europe
and Spain b.) Encouraged European travellers to come to our country c.) Exodus of liberal ideas
from Europe to the Philippines d.) More educated and young Filipinos were able to study abroad.

4. Spanish revolution of 1868 and the liberal regime of Carlos Maria dela Torre (1869-1871)
Glorious September revolution of 1868: Queen Isabela II was overthrown resulting to the rise of
liberalism in Spain. Generals Juan Prim and Francisco Serrano appointed dela Torre as the
governor-general in the Philippines (true democrat) Most liberal governor-general Walked on the
streets in civilian clothes and dismissed his albaderos (halbeldiers) (the governor security guards)
and went unescorted. Accomplishments: 1. Abolished censorship of the press and allowed
unlimited discussions of political problems and proclaimed freedom of speech 2. Abolished
flogging as a punishment 3. Curtailed abuses, particularly the tribute and the polo 4. Allowed
seculiar priest to be assigned to vacant parishes or seminaries and created an office which would
prevent abuses by members of the regular religious orders. 5. Reformed the Royal Audencia to
bring about speedier administration of justice. 6. Decreed educational reforms, ordered the
setting up of medical, pharmacy, and vocational schools. 7. Created the council of the
Philippines on December 4, 1870 which was consultative body to study Philippine problems and
propose solutions to them. 

9. The Term of Gov.Gen RAFAEL DE IZQUIERDO

(1871-1873) The Cavite Mutiny of 1872 and the Execution of GomBurZa (February 17, 1872)
Monarchy was restored in Spain, Prince Amadeo of savoy, son of Victor Emmanuel I ascended
the throne in 1870 April 4, 1871: Izquierdo became the governor-general; “with crucifix in one
hand as a sword in the other” (a) restored press censorship (b) prohibited all talk on political
matters and secularization of the parishes (c) disapproved the establishment of arts and trades in
manila (d) dismissed natives and mestizos in the civil and military service Cavite mutiny
(January 20, 1872): about 2 Filipino soldiers and workers in Fort San Felipe mutinied, under the
leadership of Sgt. La Madrid; caused by Izquierdos abolition of the exemption of Filipino
workers from polo and paying tributes: mutineers were able to kill fort commander and some
soldiers; mutiny leaders and participants were arrested and shot to death Gomburza , fought for
the Filipinization of parishes and champions of liberalism and humanitarianism, and were
charged of sedition and rebellion due to the false testimony of Francisco Zaldua (former
Bicolano soldier and was bribed by the Spanish prosecutors to implicate them as the
masterminds of mutiny) Military court: three priest guilty and sentenced them to die by Garrote

THE DIFFERENT SOCIO-ECONOMIC POLICIES IMPOSED BY THE SPANIARDS

1.   REDUCCION
The natives are forced to live in place near the center and they could hear the sound of the bell.
This policy was implemented so that the government and parish priest could easily monitor them
and for the easy conversion to Catholicism.

2.   BANDALA

The natives are obliged to sell their products to the Spaniards even in the lowest price and
sometimes the Spaniards will just issue some promissory notes

3.   FORCED LABOR OR POLO Y SERVICIOS

The word polo is actually a corruption of the Tagalog pulong which means meeting of persons
and things or community labor. Drafted laborers were either Filipinos or Chinese male mestizos
who were obligated to give personal service to community projects, like construction and repair
of infrastructure, church construction or cutting logs in forest for forty (40) days. All able-body
males, from 16-60 years old were required to render labor for those various projects in the
colony.

4.   TAXATION

The natives are paying different types of taxes which included the cedula, sanctorum, donativo
de Zamboanga and the tribute.

5.   TRIBUTE

As a sign of vassalage to Spain, the Filipinos paid tribute to the colonial government in the
island. The tribute was fixed at eight reales  or in kindo gold, blankets, cotton, rice, bells.

 References:

Laurel, Jose B. Jr. 1960. The Trials of the Rizal Bill. Historical Bulletin 4(2): 130-39

Constantino Renato. 1969. The Rizal Law and the Catholic Hierarchy. In the Making of a
Filipino; A Story of Philippine Colonial Politics, 244-47.Quezon City: The Author
Pangilinan, Michael C et al. Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. A Modular Approach Based on
the New CHED Curriciulum. Mindshapers Co., Inc

Schumacher, John. 2011. The Rizal Bill of 1956: Horacio De La Costa and the Bishops.
Philippine Studies 59(4): 529-53