HIS 007 LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL SAS 1 and 2

RA 1425 or the Rizal Law

This law mandates all educational institutions in the Philippines to offer courses about José Rizal.

June 12, 1956

The law was approved by President Ramon Magsaysay on

• Americanism

was widespread in our society • general inclination of the Filipinos to be loyal to the United States and the Americans

The Philippines in the 19th century context

marked by colonial oppression, social injustice, and political turmoil

Political Context

● 19th century was a time of great change for many countries

● a continuation of harsh treatment for the Filipino people

● frequent changes in leadership and internal conflicts in Spadirectly affected the Philippines

● racial discrimination

● forced labor

● power of the friars or frailocracy

● lack of representation in the Spanish Cortes meant that the Filipino people had no voice in their own government.

Economic Context

● the 19th century saw a boom in European industry thanks topowerful steam engines

● Suez Canal was built to connect Europe and Asia directly

● travel time from Spain dropped from over two months to jus30 days

● allowed Filipino elites, or Ilustrados, to send their children to European universities

● the Propaganda Movement was formed to expose the Philippines' plight and pressure Spain for change

Socio-cultural Context

● the 19th century brought a wave of new ideas to the Philippines

● the rise of the Enlightenment

● the Ilustrados, learned about revolutions in other countries and began to yearn for similar freedoms

● rise of a middle class, the Principalia

● allowed Filipinos to rent land from friar estates

● friars who owned the land often exploited the tenants by raising rents and taxes.

● Church Abuses

● Inequality and Discrimination

● Limited Representation and Lack of Freedom

● The Galleon Trade and Economic Stagnation

● The Reform Movement vs. Revolution

What were the controversies which surrounded Rizal’s “The Philippines in the 19th Century”?

● Church Abuses

The immense power and influence of the Catholic Church, particularly the friar class, was a major point of contention.

Inequality and Discrimination

Philippine society was deeply stratified, with Filipinos at the bottom, Spaniards at the top, and the Mestizos (mixed race) occupying an ambiguous middle ground.

Limited Representation and Lack of Freedom

Filipinos had little say in their own governance. They were excluded from positions of power and decision-making

The Galleon Trade and Economic Stagnation

While initially profitable, the Galleon Trade became outdated and restrictive. It limited economic opportunities for Filipinos and favored Spanish interests.

The Reform Movement vs. Revolution

There were differing opinions on how to achieve change. Rizal and other Ilustrados (enlightened Filipinos) advocated for peaceful reforms through education and assimilation.