Republic of the Philippines

CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Carig Campus, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION and COMPUTING SCIENCES

Soc Sci 14 : Rizal’s Life, Works and Writings

(First Semester SY 2022-2023)

Prepared by: Rolando A. Pagador, Ph.D.

Lesson 2: The World and the Philippines in the nineteenth century as Rizal’s
Context

Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the learners would be able to:

1. Appraise the link between the individual and society.

2. Analyze the various social, political, economic and cultural changes that occurred in the nineteenth
century.
3. Understand Jose Rizal in the context of his times.

Readings:

Instructor: Patricia Chappine

Patricia has a Ph.D. in Progress, History and Culture as well as a master's degree in Holocaust and
genocide studies. She has taught heritage of the western world and U.S. history.

During the late 19th century, changes in industrial production, trade, and imperialism led to a world
economy. In this reading, learn about the important factors that contributed to this system.

A World Economy

Several important changes took place in the late 19th century. First, around 1870, Germany became the
new leader in European industry. Germany far exceeded the production of any other European nation in
chemicals and electrical equipment. The nation continued to expand its trade networks and soon enjoyed a
flood of new plants and factories. Great Britain tried to retake its position as industrial leader, but Germany
would not give up its newly acquired title so easily. The United States also enjoyed success during the Second
Industrial Revolution. In fact, industry had made the U.S. the richest nation in the world at this time.

The Second Industrial Revolution caused growth in industry and transportation, which allowed
increased trade between nations. Combined with a merchant marine capable of transporting goods by sea, a
world economy began to form. What exactly is a world economy? Well, a world economy, or global economy,
is simply a description of the integration of trade in goods, services, and money worldwide. The spread of trade
and investments abroad is linked with a process called imperialism.
Imperialism

Between 1870 and 1900, European imperialism increased tremendously. Historians sometimes refer to
this as new imperialism, which basically meant that Europeans were making a mad dash for pieces of Asia and
Africa. Why this sudden need for colonies? Well, colonization was basically the domination of Europeans over
non-Europeans. A major factor that influenced colonization was competition between different countries.
In a quest for greater wealth, countries, such as Britain, sought colonies in Africa and Asia that would provide
ports and perhaps even offer material resources. So, the possible economic benefit of having colonies was a big
motivation. Many of the colonies could offer material resources, such as oil, tin, gold, and diamonds.
 By taking these areas, European countries cut out the middle-man. They did not need to trade because
they now controlled the resources directly. Portugal, France, Britain, Belgium, Spain, and Germany had all set
up colonies in Africa by 1914. In Asia, the British, Dutch, Russians, French, and Portuguese had taken pieces,
as well.

In addition, since competition between countries was so fierce, sometimes one country would set up
colonies in an area just to keep another country out. For instance, France would scramble to set up colonies in
an area just to make sure Britain, Russia, or Germany would not have access. Once the colonization process
started, all the major powers in Europe wanted a piece of the action. If a country was not taking part in the
process, they were viewed as weak.

Of course, everyone did not agree about the benefits of having colonies. In 1852, Benjamin Disraeli
said, 'These wretched colonies will all be independent in a few years and are millstones around our necks.' In
fact, a common feeling was that colonies were entirely too much trouble to maintain and that the people would
eventually rebel for their independence. A well-known example of this was the Boer War in 1899.

The South African Boer War begins between the British Empire and the Boers of the Transvaal and
Orange Free State.

The Boers, also known as Afrikaners, were the descendants of the original Dutch settlers of southern
Africa. Britain took possession of the Dutch Cape colony in 1806 during the Napoleonic wars, sparking
resistance from the independence-minded Boers, who resented the Anglicization of South Africa and Britain’s
anti-slavery policies. In 1833, the Boers began an exodus into African tribal territory, where they founded the
republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The two new republics lived peaceably with their British
neighbors until 1867, when the discovery of diamonds and gold in the region made conflict between the Boer
states and Britain inevitable.

Minor fighting with Britain began in the 1890s, and in October 1899 full-scale war ensued. By mid June
1900, British forces had captured most major Boer cities and formally annexed their territories, but the Boers
launched a guerrilla war that frustrated the British occupiers. Beginning in 1901, the British began a strategy of
systematically searching out and destroying these guerrilla units, while herding the families of the Boer soldiers
into concentration camps. By 1902, the British had crushed the Boer resistance, and on May 31 of that year the
Peace of Vereeniging was signed, ending hostilities.

The treaty recognized the British military administration over Transvaal and the Orange Free State and
authorized a general amnesty for Boer forces. In 1910, the autonomous Union of South Africa was established
by the British. It included Transvaal, the Orange Free State, the Cape of Good Hope, and Natal as provinces.

The World in the 19th Century Summary

The Western World in the 19th Century was its height of racial discrimination, religious
supremacy, political superiority and economic expansion.
1. Racial Discrimination – refers to an unjust treatment or distinction against minorities. It is
remarkable to remember that in 1863, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued emancipation
proclamation to free the Negro Slaves racially discriminated by the White Americans. In fact
there were human rights abuses. Similarly, in 1861, Czar Alexander II of Russia issued a
proclamation emancipating the serf from slavery.
2. Religious supremacy – refers to making religious belief potential as exceptional religious
ideology. It is also remarkable to reminisce that a number of religious orders or
congregations of the Christian Church raced for religious power and influence. Some used
the religious faith to push their political and economic superiority. In fact there conflicting
views for the true faith in God and genuine respect for life.
3. Political Superiority – refers to making political conviction potential as exceptional political
ideology. The Westerners raced for the superiority of their political ideologies such
Democracy and Communism. In fact there were unfair laws and injustices.
4. Economic Expansion – the imperial act of subjugating territories with the ultimate aim to
gain economic advantages in favor of the invading country. The Westerners raced for the
colonization of other territories for wealth searching. In fact there were territorial disputes.

Chronological Table
of Leading Events in the Philippines: 19th Century
Source: John Forman, "The Philippine Islands" (1906)
(Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society)
1810 Philippine deputies were first admitted to the Spanish Parliament.
1811 The last State galleon left Manila for Mexico.
1815 The last State galleon left Acapulco (Mexico) for Manila.
1819 Secession of Mexico from the Spanish Crown.
1820 Massacre of foreigners in Manila and Cavite (Oct. 9).
1822 First Manila news-sheet (El Filántropo) was published.
1823 Rebellion of Andrés Novales (June.)
1830 The first Philippine bank was opened about this year.
1831 Zamboanga port was opened to foreign trade.
1834 Manila port was unrestictedly opened to foreign trade.
1835 Rebellion in Cavite led by Feliciano Páran.
1837 Philippine deputies were excluded from the Spanish Parliament.
1837 Philippine deputies were excluded from the Spanish Parliament.
1841 Apolinario de la Cruz declared himself "King of the Tagélogs."
1843 Chinese shops were first allowed to trade on equal terms.
Claveria's expedition against the Moros.

1844 Foreigners were excluded from the interior of the Islands.

The office of Trading-Governor was abolished.

1851 Urbiztondo's expedition against the Moros.
Manila City thenceforth remained open day and night.
1852
The Banco Español-Filipino wa instituted.
1854 Rebellion of Cuesta.
1855 Yolilo port was opened to foreign trade.
1857 The Manila mint was established.
1859 Return of the Jesuits to the Philippines.
1861 Dr. José Rizal, the Philippine patriot, was born (June 19).
Manila City and Cathedral damaged by earthquake; 2,000 victims.
1863
Cebú port was opened to foreign trade.
1868-70 The Assembly of Reformists in Manila.
 1869 General Emilio Aguinaldo was Born (March 22).
1870 Rebellion in Cavite led by Camerino.
1872 The Cavite Comspiracy (Jan.).
1875 Failure of Russel & Sturgis.
1876 Malcampo's expedition against the Moros. Joló anneced.
1877 England and Germany recognized Spain's rights in Sulu.
The last destructive earthquake affecting Manila.
1880
The Hong-Kong-Manila submarine cable was laid (via Bolinao).
Tobacco for free planting was thenceforth permitted (Jan. 1).
1883
Tobacco free export was thenceforth permitted (July 1).
The "Carriedo" endowment water-supply for Manila was established.
1884
Tribute and Poll Tay were abolished and Cédula personal introduced.
Petition to the Crown asking for the expulsion of the Chinese.

The office of Judge-Governor was abolished.

1886
Investiture in Manila of Sultan Harun Narrasid (Sept. 24).

Capuchin friars' first arrival.

Terrero's expedition against the Moro Datto Utto.

1887 Colonel Juna Arolas' victory in Sulu Island. Capture of Maybun (April 16).

Philippine Exhibition was held in Madrid.

1890 Muncipalities in the christian provinces were created.
1891 The first Philippine railway was opened to the traffic.
The Marahui campaign against the Moros of Mindanao Island.
1895
Benedictine friar's first arrival.
The Tagálog Rebellion opened (August 20).

First battle of the Rebellion (San Juan del Monte, Aug. 30).

1896 Gov.-General Ramon Blanco was recalled to Spain (Dec.).

Gov.-General Polavieja arrived in Manila (Dec.).

Dr. José Rizal, the Philippine patriot, was executed (Dec. 30).

The Philippines in the 19th Century Summary

The 19th Century Filipino struggles in the Philippines:

1. Instability of the Colonial Administration – there was fast turn over of leadership or frequent
periodic shifts in colonial policies and colonial officials. E.g. 50 governors-general ruled the
country from 1835 to 1897. There was a struggle between despotism and liberalism.
 Despotism – refers to tyrannical control. Liberalism – refers to adherence to political
transformation as fundamental factor to experiencing conservative freedom.
2. Corrupt Officialdom – the so-called public servants practice dishonesty and rampant graft
and corruption. Most Spanish authorities accepted bribes from transactions and gambling
casinos.
3. No Public Representation in the Spanish Cortes – the Filipino seats were abolished which
supposed to have serve as consultative body Spain.
4. Human Rights denied for Filipinos – The Constitutional rights of Filipinos were ignored or
less attended.
5. No Equality before the Law – the law favored only those who can afford to give bribes.
6. Maladministration of Justice – The judges, fiscals, court officials are often times ignorant of
the proper application of the law.
7. Racial Discrimination – the white men are assumed superior over the brown skinned men.
They were treated less human.
8. Frailocracy –the Church had strong influence to State affairs such that there was not really a
separation of power between them.
9. Force Labor – the Spanish policy on Polo Y Servicio impede at a great extend the growth of
the economic condition of Filipino families.
10. Haciendas Owned by the Friars – big vast tracts of plain agricultural lands were owned by
religious orders.
11. Self-serving Guardia Civil – untrained Spanish men and officials lead the abuses against
Filipino.

Effects of these Problems in the Philippines

1. Ruined moral fiber of the Filipinos

2. Rampant poverty among Filipinos
3. Commission of crimes
4. Organized bloody revolutions
5. Growth of nationalistic and patriotic principles.
6. The Birth of Nationalism and Patriotism