Spanish Colonization of the Philippines

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the provided notes on changes during the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.

Felipinas

The Philippines’ name, derived from King Philip II of Spain.

Tributo (tribute)

A tax or tribute paid by natives to the colonial government.

Polo

Forced labor system requiring natives aged 16–60 to work 40 days per year; exemption by paying falla.

Cedula tax

Tax introduced in 1884, replacing the tribute in the Philippines.

Centralized government

A centralized colonial administration established in the Philippines, concentrating power in the crown and Governor General.

Governor General

The highest colonial official in the Philippines; first Miguel López de Legazpi; last Diego de los Ríos; served 1565–1898; 122 governors-general.

Alcalde Mayor

Provincial leader; head of a province under Spanish rule.

Gobernadorcillo

Town-level chief magistrate; municipal leader (mayor).

Cabeza de Barangay

Local village head or captain; leader of a barangay.

Royal Audiencia

The highest court in the Philippines during the Spanish era; created to check abuses of colonial officials.

Residencia

Investigation of a governor-general’s acts conducted by his successor.

Visita

Secret inquiry into the conduct of top colonial officials.

Pacified provinces

Provinces under Spanish control, headed by Alcalde Mayor (alcaldia).

Unpacified provinces (Corregimentos)

Provinces resisting Spanish rule, headed by military officers called corregidores.

Ayuntamiento

City government or municipal council.

Pueblos

Towns.

Encomienda System

Land grant giving encomenderos the right to income from land and to govern the people living on it.

Christianization

Spread and entrenchment of Christianity in the Philippines; the enduring legacy of Spain.

Augustinians

Religious order established in the Philippines in 1565; missionaries.

Franciscans

Religious order established in 1577; missionaries.

Jesuits

Religious order established in 1581; missionaries.

Dominicans

Religious order established in 1581; missionaries.

Recollects

Religious order established in 1606; missionaries.

Benedictines

Religious order established in 1895; missionaries.

Three vows (religious orders)

Obedience, Celibacy, Poverty.

Abolition of slavery (1580 decree)

Royal decree prohibiting Spaniards in the colony from owning native slaves.

Abolition order (1589)

King Philip II ordered the freeing of slaves in the Philippines.

Papal bull (1591)

Pope Gregory XIV excommunicated those who still held native slaves in the Philippines.