3.1-Ang-Pilipinas-sa-Ika-19-na-Dantaon-sa-Konteksto-ni-Rizal-1

19th Century Overview

• Context of Rizal's life: Influenced by the environment of the 19th Century.

Birth of Modernity

• Significant changes in ideas, attitudes, and institutions due to the Industrial Revolution.

Political Situation in Spain

• Political instability post-Ferdinand VII's death; power struggles including the Carlist Wars.

• Isabella II eventually overthrown in 1868.

Economic Practices

• Mercantilism dominated; focus on exports to colonies.

• Shift to free-market trade led to wealth for Filipino merchants in the Galleon Trade.

The Galleon Trade

• Connected Philippines to major trading nations (mainly China).

• Two galleons facilitated trade between Manila and Acapulco; significantly controlled by the Spanish government.

Decline of the Galleon Trade

• Competition and declining demand for Asian goods contributed to its end in the early 19th Century.

Opening of the Suez Canal (1869)

• Shortened travel time and facilitated easier trade between Spain and the Philippines.

• Increased spread of Enlightenment ideas among the rising middle class (Illustrados).

Rise of the Middle Class

• Composed of Chinese, mestizos, and elite natives benefiting from free trade.

• Enabled better education opportunities and political engagement with European ideas.

Political Organization

• Governed indirectly through a Viceroy with a Governor General appointed by the monarchy.

• Governor General held significant power: legislative authority and military control.

Provincial and Municipal Government Structure

• Provincial governors (Alcalde Mayors) and local town leaders (Gobernadorcillos) played key roles in local governance.

• Taxes were collected; governance was closely tied to Spanish interests.

The Encomienda System

• Territories assigned to encomenderos for tax collection and public order maintenance.

• Friars became influential in local governance, leading to what was termed "Frailocracy."

The Social Structure

• Hierarchical and discriminatory; Filipinos often treated as slaves.

• Structure: Peninsulares, Insulares, Creoles, Illustrados, Principalia, and Indios.

Educational System

• Controlled by Friars, focusing on obedience and manual labor skills.

• Limited subjects; encouraged memorization over critical thinking.

Improvements in Education

• Educational Decree of 1863 mandated free primary education.

• Establishment of institutions to train teachers in the Spanish language.

Challenges in Education

• Continued emphasis on religion and limited curriculum; significant obstacles for academic freedom.

Policies Imposed by the Spaniards

• Reduccion for monitoring and conversion; Bandala forced natives to sell products to Spaniards.

• Polo y Servicio forced labor for males aged 16-60 due to colonial needs.

Taxation System

• Cedula and Tribute required from Filipino citizens for support of colonial administration.