The 19th Century

Explain the Following in one paragraph each:

1. What was the Philippines like in the eyes of Sir John Bowring, a foreigner (who is not
Spaniard) during the 19th century? Explain what life was like in the Philippines.

Sir John Bowring is the author of The Island of the Philippines, which describes the social
customs of the nation. The governor-general exercised full power and gave his favorites places
in the bureaucracy throughout the Philippines' 19th century, which was characterized by
corruption and inefficiency. The invaders forced the locals to perform polo y servicios, or forced
labor, and collected taxes and tributes from the Filipinos. This social structure was defined by
feudalism. The ideology of the Limpieza de Sangre, or Purity of Blood, was utilized to establish
social hierarchy and foster hostilities within and among classes. Pure-blooded Spaniards were
the only ones eligible for high government positions, with members of the middle class and the
Indios being viewed as inferior and unworthy of an education by the upper classes.

2. Judging how Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s disdain for the Spanish Friar manifested in his writings,
why did the friars get such negative and even critical criticisms from the ilustrados during that
time?

We may state that during the Spanish era they were threatened by Marcelo H. Del Pilar. He is
the one who wrote about how terrible the government is and how poorly it treats Filipinos,
including all illustrados who are involved in a campaign of anti-Spanish propaganda, particularly
the friars. He employs Tagalog and has a unique writing style that makes fun of the Spanish
government and friars and grabs the reader's attention. He received a lot of hostility from the
friars and representatives of the Spanish government because of the anti-friar activities that are
quite prominent in the Philippines.

3. So, what was La Solidaridad really after?

La Solidaridad is one of the propaganda movement's accomplishments. The true goal of it is to

achieve equality between Filipinos and Spaniards before the law in the 19th century, when there
was no such thing. Restoration of Philippine representation in the Spanish legislative body, the
Cortes; Assimilation of the Philippines as a regular province; Filipinization of Philippine parishes;
Individual liberties for the Filipinos; The failure of La Solidaridad, which made the Spanish aware
of the need for the Filipinos to establish their own nation.