Chapter 2
Socio Political and Economic Condition of the
Philippines
OVERVIEW:
In this chapter, it will discuss about the events happened in the 19th century here
in the Philippines and in Europe. Jose Rizal was born during this time and some
people argued that his birth was timely for the purpose of liberating the
Philippines. Some argued what if he was not born during this time? Will he be the
national hero of the Philippines? Some argued that his heroism was by accident
and never intended to happen.
This chapter is divided into two topics; The Philippines in the 19th century and the
challenges of the 19th century. This topics will enlighten you on the events that
might prove the arguments mentioned above.
The Philippines in the 19th Century
This topic is divided into four parts; namely, social structure, political system,
sources of abuse in the administrative system, and the educational system in the
Philippines in the 19th century.
The social structure defines how the Spaniards were distinguished to the Filipino
people or better known as the “Indios” during that time. Even the Spaniards were
also classified in 3 groups, the Peninsulares, Insulares and the Mestizos. And the
introduction of master-slave relationship of the elites to the indios.
The political system in the Philippines that time was all ruled by the Spaniards,
from the highest position down to the lowest position of the guardia civil was under
the power of the King of Spain. Yet some of these positions was granted to Middle
Class Filipinos as loyal to the Spain.
The Philippines in the 19th Century
The sources of abuse in the administrative system started in the weak
administration due to incompetent appointed people in the position. This part of
the topic explains how the administrative system was manipulated by some
people in order to fulfil their personal interest and favors. It also includes the
injustice to the mother of Jose Rizal, Donya Teodora.
In the educational system, it will describe how the friars were manipulating the
people by limiting the people to learn and gain knowledge. The friars are only
concentrating on instilling fear to the Indios in order to control them. But still some
middle class families like Jose Rizal manage to get in schools also controlled by
the Friars
Challenges in the 19th Century
In this part of the chapter, it will discuss about the problems in the European
countries that might led to changes in the stand and power of Spain and the
Church which has the control of Power during this times. This part is divided into;
the challenges of industrialization and the altered position of the catholic church in
the 19th century.
In the challenges of industrialization, it will discuss the growth of science and
technology in the European countries. This led to competitions especially in trades
due to inventions and discoveries that made the transportation more accessible. It
became a threat to Spain claiming its monopoly in the eastern part of the globe.
Challenges in the 19th Century
In the altered position of the church in the 19th century, this will discuss the
weakening of the Roman Catholic Church against several countries in the Europe
who embraces other religion and expresses their movements against the Church.
This time, there will be no choice for the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church
but to adjust in order to survive and claim whatever is left. This event marked the
weakening of Spain in the Philippines as people are gradually resisting the
leadership of Spain and of the Church.