History and Historiography: Notes from Reading in Philippine History (Modules 1-3)

A set of practice flashcards covering history, historiography, and the Pigafetta–Magellan expedition topics from the notes.

What is the origin and meaning of 'history'?

Originates from Greek 'Historia' meaning knowledge acquired through inquiry; in Latin it refers to the account of the past through written documents/historical evidences. Traditional Mantra: 'no document, no history.'

What is historiography?

The study of history itself; the object of inquiry is history.

What does the 'dynamism of history' refer to?

The questions that can be answered by historiography.

What is historical methodology?

The techniques and rules historians follow to utilize sources and historical evidence in writing history.

Why do we need to study history?

To understand the roles history played in the past; to unite a nation; to forge collective identity; to make sense of the present; to learn from past mistakes; to inspire progress.

What is the intention of written history?

A narrative written for a particular group of audience.

In the Ilustrados example, who was the audience?

Spaniards.

In the Ilustrados example, what was the content about the Filipino people?

Filipinos are people with their own intellect and culture.

In the American example, who was the audience?

Americans.

In the American example, what was the content or purpose of writing about the Philippines?

To civilize the Philippines as part of the white man’s burden, including bringing education and Western civilization.

What does the phrase 'white man’s burden' mean here?

The duty of white people to bring education and Western influence to non-white peoples.

What does the saying 'history is written by victors' imply?

Historical narratives are shaped by those who win, influencing interpretation.

In the WW2 example, who is the hero and who is the villain?

Hero: United States; Villain: Japan; Filipinos who collaborated with Japan are considered traitors.

What is the role of a historian?

To interpret and give meaning to history; facts cannot speak for themselves.

What is Antonio Pigafetta known for?

A chronicler of Magellan's voyage who documented the first voyage around the world.

What were Pigafetta’s areas of study?

Astronomy, geography, and cartography.

Who accompanied the voyage from Spain in 1519?

Monsignor Chiericati.

When did Magellan's expedition take place?

From 1519 to 1522 (the Moluccas phase August 1519–1522).

Who led the 1519 expedition?

Ferdinand Magellan.

Who completed the circumnavigation and which ship did he command?

Sebastián Elcano; commanded the Victoria; the voyage completed the circumnavigation (provided by King Charles V).

What is the Armada de Molucca?

The Spanish fleet associated with the voyage to the Moluccas.

Name the five ships of Magellan's fleet and one key fact about each.

Trinidad — flagship; San Antonio — largest; Concepcion — burned; Santiago — smallest ship (caravel); Victoria — carried supplies.