Philippine Independence

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

Proclamation of Philippine Independence

  • Date: June 12, 1898

  • Location: Kawit, Cavite, Philippines

Overview

  • The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Cavite el Viejo, now known as Kawit, Cavite.

  • Filipino revolutionary forces under the leadership of General Emilio Aguinaldo declared the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from Spanish colonial rule.

Historical Context

  • 1896: The Philippine Revolution commenced against Spanish colonial rule.

  • Key Event: Spanish forces signed an agreement with revolutionaries, leading to Emilio Aguinaldo's exile in Hong Kong.

  • Spanish-American War: The conflict began affecting the dynamics between the Filipino revolutionaries and colonial powers.

Key Figures

  • Commodore George Dewey: Commanded U.S. Navy ships that sailed from Hong Kong to Manila Bay.

    • Battle of Manila Bay: May 1, 1898, the U.S. defeated Spanish forces.

    • Following the battle, the U.S. Navy facilitated Aguinaldo's return to the Philippines.

The Proclamation Ceremony on June 12

  • Time: Between 4 and 5 PM

  • Location of Proclamation: Ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite.

  • Symbolic Acts:

    • Unfurling of the National Flag of the Philippines.

      • Designed and crafted in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza.

    • Performance of Marcha Filipina Magdalo as the national anthem, recognized today as Lupang Hinirang.

      • Composed by Julián Felipe and performed by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band.

  • Declaration Document:

    • Prepared and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista in Spanish.

    • The Declaration was signed by ninety-eight individuals, including:

      • An American army officer, Mr. L. M. Johnson, a Colonel of Artillery, who was a witness to the event.

Aftermath of the Proclamation

  • The official proclamation of Philippine independence was later promulgated on August 1, 1898, after several towns had already been organized under the rules of Aguinaldo's Dictatorial Government.

  • Lack of Recognition:

    • Neither the U.S. nor Spain recognized the declaration of independence.

    • Spain subsequently sold the Philippines to the United States via the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which marked the end of the Spanish-American War.

Philippine-American War

  • The Philippine Revolutionary Government rejected the treaty and the American claim over the Philippines, leading to conflict.

  • The conflict ended when Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by U.S. forces.

    • Post-Capture: Aguinaldo issued a statement acknowledging and accepting U.S. sovereignty over the Philippines.

Path to Independence and Recognition

  • Following World War II, the United States granted independence to the Philippines on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila.

Historical Commemoration

  • In 1964, President Diosdado Macapagal signed into law Republic Act No. 4166, officially designating June 12 as the country’s Independence Day.

Here are some exam questions based on the provided notes on Philippine Independence, focusing on enumerations and identifications:

Exam Questions: Philippine Independence

  1. Enumeration: List three significant symbolic acts that took place during the Proclamation Ceremony of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.

    • Answer Key:

      1. Unfurling of the National Flag of the Philippines.

      2. Performance of "Marcha Filipina Magdalo" (Lupang Hinirang) as the national anthem.

      3. Reading of the Declaration Document by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.

  2. Identification: Identify the historical event that commenced in 1896 against Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

    • Answer Key: The Philippine Revolution.

  3. Enumeration: Name the three women responsible for designing and crafting the National Flag of the Philippines in Hong Kong.

    • Answer Key:

      1. Marcela Agoncillo

      2. Lorenza Agoncillo

      3. Delfina Herboza

  4. Identification: Who composed the "Marcha Filipina Magdalo," later known as "Lupang Hinirang"?

    • Answer Key: Julián Felipe.

  5. Identification: Identify the American army officer who was a witness and signatory to the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898.

    • Answer Key: Mr. L. M. Johnson, a Colonel of Artillery.

  6. Enumeration: List two reasons why the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898, lacked international recognition.

    • Answer Key:

      1. Neither the United States nor Spain recognized the declaration.

      2. Spain sold the Philippines to the United States via the 1898 Treaty of Paris.

  7. Identification: On what date did the United States grant independence to the Philippines through the Treaty of Manila following World War II?

    • Answer Key: July 4, 1946.

  8. Identification: Who signed Republic Act No. 4166 in 1964, officially designating June 12 as the Philippines' Independence Day?

    • Answer Key: President Diosdado Macapagal.