WORKSHEET 2

1. What are the two different versions of the Cavite Mutiny? Briefly describe each version.

➢ The Spanish account of the Cavite Mutiny portrayed the incident as an effort by native Filipinos or Indios
to overthrow the Spanish government. Authorities accused the native clergy of participating in the
rebellion and utilizing propaganda to incite Filipinos against the Spanish government. The Spanish
version also cited the influence of democratic, liberal, and republican literature circulating in the
Philippines and the Spanish Revolution, which had overthrown the secular throne. The Spanish account
justified the severe measures taken against Filipinos, including the execution of GomBurZa, a group of
native clergies tried and sentenced to death for their alleged involvement in the rebellion.

➢ The Filipino account of the Cavite Mutiny, on the other hand, presented the incident as a mutiny by local
Filipino soldiers and laborers of the Cavite arsenal who were upset with the loss of their privileges. This
version emphasized the role of Governor General Rafael Izquierdo's policies, including the abolition of
the privileges of the workers and native army members of the arsenal and the prohibition of the
founding of schools of arts and trades for the Filipinos. The Filipino account also highlighted the
influence of Spanish friars in magnifying the event as a conspiracy to overthrow the Spanish
government. The Filipino version of the event encouraged the growth of nationalism and ultimately led
to the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

2. What really happened in the Cavite Mutiny? Identify the truth found in both versions.

➢ The Cavite Mutiny, according to both stories, occurred on January 20, 1872, by native Filipino soldiers
and laborers of the Cavite arsenal who were dissatisfied with the abolition of their privileges.
However, the versions differ in their interpretation of the event and the underlying causes. The
Spanish version portrays the event as a plot by native Filipinos to overthrow the Spanish government,
while the Filipino version suggests that the policies of Governor General Izquierdo, such as the
abolition of privileges, were the main cause of the mutiny. Additionally, the Filipino version highlights
the role of Spanish friars in magnifying the mutiny as a conspiracy to maintain their power and
influence in the Philippines. Despite these differences, both versions acknowledge that a mutiny did
take place in the Cavite arsenal in 1872.

3. What were the effects of the Cavite Mutiny?

➢ The Cavite Mutiny had several effects on Philippine history. First, it led to the execution of the three
leaders of the mutiny, namely, GomBurZa (Father Mariano Gomez, Father Jose Burgos, and Father
Jacinto Zamora). This event inflamed Filipino nationalist sentiments to overthrow Spanish colonial rule.
Second, it paved the way for the Philippine Revolution of 1896, which eventually led to the declaration
of Philippine independence in 1898. Thirdly, the mutiny contributed to the development of a sense of
national identity and the emergence of a distinct Filipino consciousness. It highlighted the need for
Filipinos to unite and fight for their rights and freedoms. Overall, it serves as a reminder of the
country's struggle for freedom and the sacrifices made by those who fought for national liberation.