TIMELINE

PHILIPPINE HISTORY
PRE-HISTORIC
ERA The Philippines is inhabited by early
humans, evidenced by the discovery
of stone tools and fossils dating
back to around 709,000 years ago.

1380
Islam is introduced in the Sulu Archipelago
and Mindanao, marking the beginning of
Islamic influence in the region.

1521 Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan

arrives in the Philippines, claiming the islands
for Spain. He is killed in the Battle of Mactan
by Filipino chieftain Lapu-Lapu.

Spanish explorer Miguel López de 1565

Legazpi establishes the first Spanish
settlements in Cebu and Manila,
marking the beginning of Spanish
colonial rule.

LATE 19TH The Philippine Revolution against

CENTURY
Spanish rule begins, sparked by
nationalistic sentiments and the desire
for independence.

The Philippines declares independence 1898

from Spain on June 12, but it is not
recognized internationally. The
Spanish-American War ends with the
Treaty of Paris, in which Spain cedes
the Philippines to the United States.
 TIMELINE
PHILIPPINE HISTORY
1899-
1902 The Philippine-American War takes place
as Filipinos resist American colonization.
The conflict results in the establishment of
American colonial rule.

The Philippines becomes a self-

1935
governing commonwealth under U.S.
administration, with Manuel L. Quezon
as the first Filipino president.

1941- The Philippines is occupied by Japan during

1945
World War II. The country suffers greatly
under Japanese occupation, and the Battle
of Manila in 1945 leads to widespread
destruction.

The Philippines gains independence from

the United States on July 4, becoming the
1946
Republic of the Philippines. Manuel Roxas
becomes the first president of the
independent nation.
1965-1986
Ferdinand Marcos serves as the
president of the Philippines,
implementing martial law in 1972. His
regime is marked by corruption, human
rights abuses, and economic decline.
The People Power Revolution, a
peaceful uprising, leads to the ousting
of Ferdinand Marcos and the
1986
installation of Corazon Aquino as the
new president.

PRESENT The Philippines continues to face

various challenges, including political
issues, poverty, natural disasters,
and efforts towards economic
development and social progress.