Rizal argues that understanding the past under Spanish rule is crucial to accurately assess the
present state of the Philippines and gauge the progress made over three centuries.
In order to comprehend the current state of affairs in the Philippines, Rizal highlights the
significance of historical context. He admits that he doesn't have direct knowledge of the past
and looks to Spanish historian Antonio de Morga's works as a trustworthy source that provide
light on the nation's past.
Rizal aims to correct historical inaccuracies and misconceptions about the Philippines' past
civilization, enabling readers to better understand the present and envision a brighter future.
Rizal argues that Antonio de Morga's work is the first comprehensive written history of the
Philippines, while Father Chirino's chronicle provides valuable insights into missionary
practices.
Rizal compares Morga's Christianity to Roman Catholicism's forceful conversion practices,
comparing it to Flanders' struggles with maintaining religious dominance and purity.
Rizal acknowledges the diverse crew composition of Spanish expeditions, including Portuguese,
Italians, French, Greeks, Africans, and Polynesians. He highlights the multinational nature of
these voyages, even under Spanish flags, and mentions the participation of individuals from
various backgrounds, such as Moluccans and Filipinos.
Rizal criticizes Morga's intolerant perspective, which was common in his time. He argues that no
nation or religion has a monopoly on the true God or exclusive knowledge of the divine. Such a
claim is considered presumptuous in modern times.
Rizal challenges the belief that Spanish Christianity was widespread, highlighting non-Christian
communities and the loss of areas without Christianity. He also discusses the role of Protestant
missionaries in converting people in the Carolines.
The idea that Filipinos were helpless prior to Spanish colonization is denied by Rizal. He
references Morga's personal story of pirate raids, which emphasizes the Filipinos' capacity for
self-defense and weapons. According to Rizal, several revolutions resulted from the Spanish
disarming
As Morga's description in the eighth chapter demonstrates, Rizal recognizes the high level of
pre-Spanish Filipino civilization. This points to a complex awareness of social responsibilities
and obligations as well as a complex social structure.
According to Rizal, the Spanish colonization of the Philippines included alliances and diplomatic
agreements with local leaders in addition to using force. He points out that Legaspi's armies were
able to gain an advantage in the islands due in part to King Tupas of Cebu. This view puts doubt
on the accepted opinion that the Spanish conquest was simply a military operation.
By implying that the phrase "conquest" is limited to specific regions of the Philippines, Rizal
further defines it. He contends that islands like Cebu, Panay, Luzon, and Mindoro were not fully
taken over, suggesting that a combination of alliances, diplomacy, and force was used throughout
Spanish colonization.
Both for the Spanish and, more importantly, for the Filipinos, Rizal highlights the high human
cost of Spanish colonization. He emphasizes the Filipino involvement in both resistance and
cooperation during this time by pointing out that Filipino soldiers frequently outnumbered
Spanish troops.