Jose Rizal, Propaganda Movement, and 19th-Century Philippines (Key Terms)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering Rizal, his works, the Rizal Law, and major social, political, and economic terms from 19th-century Philippines as presented in the notes.

Jose Rizal

Filipino patriot, doctor, and writer; national hero; author of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo; advocate of reform through the Propaganda Movement; founded La Liga Filipina; executed in 1896; penned Mi Último Adiós; used pseudonyms Laong Laan and Dimasalang.

Noli Me Tangere

Rizal’s novel exposing injustices of the Spanish government and clergy and awakening Filipino nationalism.

El Filibusterismo

Rizal’s sequel to Noli Me Tangere; a more radical work advocating reform and criticizing colonial rule.

Mi Último Adiós

Rizal’s farewell poem; a national treasure symbolizing his martyrdom.

La Liga Filipina

Nonviolent reform organization founded by Rizal to promote peaceful change.

Propaganda Movement

Intellectual and literary movement aiming to awaken nationalism and push for reforms in the Philippines.

Laong Laan

One of Rizal’s pen names (pseudonym).

Dimasalang

Another of Rizal’s pen names (pseudonym).

Rizal Law (Republic Act No. 1425)

Law mandating the inclusion of Rizal’s life, works, and writings in curricula of Philippine educational institutions.

Claro M. Recto

Filipino politician, jurist, and poet; often called the Father of Rizal Law for sponsoring RA 1425.

Rizal Bill

Proposed legislation that led to the enactment of Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law).

GOMBURZA

Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora; priests martyred and whose deaths fueled Filipino nationalism.

Bagumbayan / Luneta

Site of Rizal’s execution; symbol of martyrdom.

Frailocracy

Rule or influence of the Spanish friars over colonial government and society.

Baybayin

Precolonial Filipino script; largely supplanted by the Latin alphabet; Rizal worked to preserve it.

Abecedario

The Latin-based alphabet introduced that contributed to decline of Baybayin.

Encomienda

Feudal system granting labor and tribute rights to encomenderos, leading to exploitation.

Hacienda

Large estates owned by Spaniards or friars; concentration of land led to economic imbalance.

Galleon Trade

Manila–Acapulco maritime trade route (1565–1815) that shifted wealth to Spain and integrated global exchange.

Polo y Servicio

Forced labor system demanding 40 days (later 15) of labor from Filipino men aged 16–60.

Bandala

Forced sale of goods to the government at low prices.

Tribute / Buwis

Taxes imposed on Filipinos; direct tax system with multiple forms (including some church-related taxes like Sanctorum and Donativo de Zamboanga).

Cedula Personal

Personal identification tax required for adults (18+).

Sanctorum

Church tax imposed under the colonial system.

Donativo de Zamboanga

Church contribution to fund war efforts in Mindanao.

Cry of Pugadlawin

Iconic call signaling the start of reformist and revolutionary action against Spanish rule.

La Solidaridad

Spanish-language newspaper of the Propaganda Movement founded by Graciano López Jaena; advocated rights and reforms.

Cavite Mutiny

183 or 1870s uprising by soldiers and workers in Cavite; linked to frailocracy and Rizal’s writings boosting nationalist sentiment.

Casta System

Racial hierarchy in colonial Philippines: Spaniards (Peninsulares), mestizos, and indios.

Peninsulares

Spaniards born in Spain; held high social and political status.

Insulares

Spaniards born in the Philippines.

Mestizos

People of mixed Spanish and Filipino/Chinese ancestry; a middle stratum in society.

Indios

Native Filipinos; the underprivileged group subjected to taxation and limited rights.

Ministro de Ultramar

Spanish minister in Madrid overseeing colonial affairs.

Recopilación de Leyes de los Reynos de las Indias

1641/1681 compilation of laws governing the Indies, shaping colonial administration.

Governor General

Highest official in the colonial administration; appointed by the Spanish king; wielded extensive power.

Alcalde Mayor

Provincial administrator under the colonial system; later evolved into local leadership.

Cabeza de Barangay

Head of the smallest local unit (barangay) in early Spanish Philippines.