Spanish Era

Spanish Era Overview

Beginning of Spanish Colonization

• The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began with the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, who introduced Christianity to the natives, particularly in Cebu.

• Magellan was killed by local chieftain Lapu-Lapu in the Battle of Mactan.

Formal Colonization

• Miguel López de Legazpi led the first successful Spanish expedition to establish a permanent settlement in Cebu in 1565, marking the official start of Spanish rule.

Establishment of Manila as Capital

• In 1571, Legazpi captured Manila, declaring it the capital of the Spanish East Indies. This city became a hub for politics, trade, and religion.

Spain’s Goals in the Philippines

• Key objectives included spreading Roman Catholicism, using the Philippines as a strategic trade hub, and expanding Spanish imperial influence.

Religion and Christianization

• Christianity became the predominant religion, representing over 85% of beliefs, particularly successful in Luzon and the Visayas, whereas efforts in Mindanao faced resistance.

• Mass baptisms were significant, intertwining with indigenous healing rituals.

Spanish Policies and Adaptation

Reducción Policies

• A strategy to consolidate scattered settlements into larger towns for administrative convenience and tax collection, which faced enforcement challenges.

Language and Communication

• Spanish friars learned native languages to communicate and conduct masses, affecting their ability to convert local populations.

Local Beliefs

• Filipino spiritual practices included venerating ancestral spirits, influencing adaptation to Christianity and its integration into local culture.

Economic Impact: Galleon Trade

• The Galleon Trade initiated in 1565 linked Manila to Acapulco, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas across continents.

• Although it fostered trade connections, it also caused exploitation and cultural imbalance, highlighting the need for respect in global relationships.

Encomienda System

• A labor grant system that allowed Spanish encomenderos to extract labor from indigenous peoples under the premise of protection and Christianization, leading to severe exploitation and suffering among the native populations.

Social Hierarchy in Spanish Era

Class Structure

• Peninsulares: High-ranking Spaniards born in Spain, wielding significant political power.

• Insulares: Spaniards born in the Philippines, facing discrimination but enjoying certain rights.

• Ilustrados: Educated middle class advocating reform and enlightenment.

• Principalia: Local noble class responsible for governance in towns.

• Mestizos: Individuals of mixed ancestries, holding varying social standings based on their lineage.

Filipino Resistance and Revolts

• Key uprisings included:

  • Battle of Mactan (1521): Led by Lapu-Lapu against Magellan.

  • Tondo Conspiracy (1587-1588) and Dagami Revolt (1621-1622): Early revolts against colonial rule.

  • Katipunan (1892-1896): A pivotal secret society aimed at independence, leading to notable events like the Cry of Pugad Lawin and the Battle of Manila.

Education and Culture

Education During Colonization

• Establishment of educational institutions such as the University of Santo Tomás to spread Christianity and Spanish culture.

• Curriculum focused on Christian doctrine and Spanish language.

Cultural Changes

• The Spanish introduced and imposed their customs, leading to a blend of cultures while marginalizing indigenous traditions. Architecture and arts reflected these influences.

Propaganda Movement

• From 1872 to 1892, the movement sought reform and was sparked by the execution of GOMBURZA.

• José Rizal became a key figure, establishing La Liga Filipina and authoring influential novels like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which critiqued colonial abuses and fueled the drive for independence.