Chapter II
The Philippines in the 19th Century as Rizal’s Context
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
1. Appraise the link between the individual an society;
2. Analyze the various social, political, and economic changes that occured in the
nineteenth century, and
3. Demonstrate understanding of Jose Rizal in the context of his time.
Overview
The facts of contemporary history are also facts about the success and the
failure of individual men and women (Wright Mills, 1959). In understanding history,
one must consider the background and context of the time to understand why people
act. Suppose historians in the future will write about our history today. In that case,
they will be sharing the same success and failure of individual men and women who
faced the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. They will share how
people responded to the context of the time, how students and teachers alike adapted
to online learning, how people worked from home, and how using face masks became
the new normal. Thus, the pandemic shall be remembered not just by how many
people died but how men and women banded together to fight the surge of the
pandemic.
Rizal was shaped by the socio-political context of 19th century Philippines, a
time of colonial oppression and systemic social injustices. His life choices, driven by
the successes and failures of his era, reflect the broader Filipino struggle against
political oppression and judicial inequality.
This chapter seeks to analyze the conditions that motivated Filipinos to
challenge a corrupt government, highlighting how Rizal emerged as a pivotal figure in
the nationalist movement and an inspiration for the Revolution (Schumacher, 1991).
Summary of the Chapter
This chapter discusses the context of the world and the Philippines during
Rizal's era. The 19th century marked a time of political upheaval for Spain as it began
losing its colonies, leading to oppressive colonial practices in the Philippines, such as
racial prejudice and lack of justice. Economically, the industrial revolution introduced
technological advancements, and the opening of the Suez Canal facilitated closer
trade relations between Spain and the Philippines. Socially, these changes helped rise
a middle class capable of sending their children to Europe for education, fostering the
ilustrados who later initiated the Propaganda Movement to advocate for reforms in
response to the Filipinos' dire conditions.
The second part of the Chapter explains how 19th-century social, political,
economic, and cultural events shaped Rizal into a hero. Rizal is depicted as a product
of his time, actively participating in the Propaganda Movement to address the
injustices of Spanish colonial rule. His vision of a Filipino nation was influenced by
19th-century events, which ultimately contributed to the independence and democracy
enjoyed today, stemming from Rizal's heroism and the collective efforts of the
Filipino people.
The World and the Philippines of Rizal’s Time
In the 19th century, there were massive changes in the world, particularly in
Europe, Spain, and the Philippines. In this century, Rizal was born and exposed to
varying political, economic, and socio-cultural realities. Rizal witnessed the effects
brought by the industrial Revolution, benefited from the opening of the Suez Canal
gained education in Europe, became an illustrado, and took part in the Propaganda
Movement.
Political Context
The 19th century experienced significant social changes, particularly in
Europe, where England emerged as a leading imperial power. During 1858-1863,
France expanded its influence into Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, while the Dutch
colonized Indonesia. Despite the prosperity seen by some nations, Spain faced
stagnation, failing to learn from the loss of its colonies and continuing despotic rule in
Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines (Zaide, 1999).
The Philippines suffered under Spanish colonialism, marked by
maladministration, lack of legal equality, and racial prejudice, which bred resentment
among Filipinos. Spain's internal instability, including frequent government changes,
further disrupted governance in its colonies, exemplified by a judge who lost his
position due to political shifts (Zaide, 1999). This context highlighted the inequalities
faced by Filipinos, who were subjected to biased judicial decisions and onerous labor
requirements, while Spaniards enjoyed preferential treatment. The pervasive racial
discrimination added to the grievances against colonial rule (Zaide, 1999).
In "Jose Rizal Life, Works, and Writings," Zaide (1999) illustrates how
Spain's unstable government adversely impacted its colony, the Philippines. He
recounts the experience of a Spanish Judge who, after a six-month voyage from
Madrid to Manila, found his position already filled due to the political turmoil that
replaced his appointment with another judge who had taken a quicker route.
This scenario exemplifies the chaos in governance that resulted in
maladministration and a biased judicial system in the Philippines, heavily favoring
Spaniards over Filipinos in legal disputes and reflecting a systemic inequality before
the law. Native Filipinos faced discriminatory practices, such as harsher penalties
under the Spanish Penal Code and oppressive social duties like forced labor and
tribute payments, which were often exempt for Spaniards.
This institutionalized disparity fostered resentment among Filipinos,
exacerbated by prevalent racial prejudices, as highlighted by Father Burgos’
observations on the perceived inadequacies of Filipinos for higher positions, revealing
societal biases even among clergies. Overall, this historical context underscores the
significant challenges faced by Filipinos under colonial rule, marked by legal and
social inequalities driven by racial discrimination.
Fr. Burgos highlighted a systemic racial prejudice in the Philippines, where
native Filipinos were at a disadvantage in various sectors, including education, church
hierarchy, public offices, and the legal system, primarily due to a preference for
Spaniards. Additionally, the practice of forced labor, known as polo y servicio, further
oppressed Filipinos. This compulsory labor required Filipino males aged 16 to 60,
termed polistas, to engage in public works such as building churches, schools, and
infrastructure. Exemptions existed for the aristocracy, well-off Filipinos, government
officials, and teachers, who could pay a fee, thereby placing a disproportionate burden
on poorer individuals who had no alternative but to participate in this exploitative
system.
In the 19th century Philippines, the frailocracy, or rule of the friars,
exemplified the lack of separation between church and state, resulting in the abuse of
Filipinos and agrarian unrest. The friars, powerful and Spanish, were tasked with
reporting conditions in their parishes to the Spanish government but instead ignored
the plight of the locals for their own benefit. Furthermore, the Philippines faced
underrepresentation in the Spanish Cortes, with only one representative, Ventura de
los Reyes, in 1811 advocating for the colony's needs. Despite brief advantages of
representation, social injustices persisted, leaving Filipinos marginalized and
oppressed.
Economic Context
The second half of the 19th century saw rapid economic growth in Europe due
to advancements in steam engine technology, which enhanced manufacturing
capabilities. This led to increased production and a need for greater trade
opportunities, facilitated by innovations in tools and shipping. A key infrastructure
development was the Suez Canal, which directly connected Europe to Asia, thereby
shortening shipping routes and enhancing trade relationships. For the Philippines, the
canal significantly reduced travel time from Spain from over two months to just 30
days, strengthening ties with Spain and impacting trade dynamics.
Industrialization facilitated the construction of the Suez Canal, which
shortened travel for Filipino ilustrados, allowing them to study in Europe. This
education exposed them to contrasting conditions between the Philippines and Spain,
highlighting Spain's freedoms and the injustices faced by Filipinos under a corrupt
colonial government. As a result, ilustrados like Rizal led the Propaganda Movement
to advocate for reforms and address the dire conditions in the Philippines.
Socio-Cultural Context
The 19th century also brought socio-cultural changes. The 19th century
introduced socio-cultural shifts, including the Enlightenment, which promoted human
reason over faith. In the Philippines, the opening of the Suez Canal facilitated the
rapid spread of books and print media, connecting Filipinos to political and social
developments abroad (like the French Revolution and American Civil War), which
inspired the ilustrados and fueled their desire for freedom and independence.
Next, the 19" century Philippines saw the rise. The rise of the middle-class
(principalias) in 19th-century Philippines was spurred by increasing European
demand for crops like abaca. The opening of Manila as a free port in 1834 and
subsequent provincial ports to world trade led to a significant increase in exports. For
example, hemp exports rose from 346 tons in 1831 to 27,500 tons in 1858, and sugar
exports increased from 30,000 piculs in 1782 to 714,059 piculs in 1857, encouraging
investment from Spaniards and affluent natives.
To further the economic gain of Spain. To boost economic gain, Spanish
officials recommended the exploitation To further the economic gain of Spain. To
boost economic gain, Spanish officials recommended the exploitation and cultivation
of Philippine resources and implemented measures like:
1. The reformation of the Galleon Trade:
2. Settlement of Spaniards in provinces for agriculture/trade; and
3. Government expropriation of the landed estates of the friar corporations.
With these measures, the Spanish Government obligated to allow Filipinos to
rent and cultivate agricultural lands, which benefited principalia families like Rizal's,
whose income from leasing and cultivating Dominican estates (planting crops and
raising animals) funded Rizal's Western education.
However, despite these social developments. Despite the social and economic
developments, agricultural unrest grew due to friars exploiting tenants with arbitrary
increases in land rentals and taxes. This resulted in several agrarian revolts and
dissatisfaction. The lands rented by Filipinos from friar estates were often reduced
due to factors like land reform, church donations, inheritance, revolt, or misfortune.
Rizal, alongside the farmers, contended that the friars' corrupt motives heavily
oppressed the Filipino people.
Understanding Rizal in the Context of 19th Century Philippines
The political, economic, and social conditions of the 19th century shaped the
kind of Rizal that we know today in history. Without an understanding of that milieu,
one can scarcely understand Rizal's enduring importance to the Filipino people nor
the relevance of his ideas and ideals today. To truly understand Jose Rizal's enduring
importance and the relevance of his ideals, one must analyze his life within the
political, economic, and social context of the 19th-century Philippines. Understanding
the political struggles, the exploitation of economic policies, and the social realities
under the friars explains why Rizal fought for reforms and attacked the friars in his
novels.
First, Rizal is a product of the 19th century. Rizal is seen as a product of his time and
context. The 19th-century Philippines created the environment where he was
positioned to champion nationalism. His life, works, and writings, driven by his
knowledge and dedicated to the betterment of the Filipino people, are inseparable
from the history of that period.
Next, Rizal responded to the needs of the time. Rizal actively responded to the needs
of the time. The deplorable political and social conditions spurred him to rise against
the Spaniards, calling out injustice and racial discrimination through the Propaganda
Movement. His studies abroad and observations of European laws led him to believe
the Philippines could improve if Spain took proactive steps. He wrote Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo to expose the corruption of the friars and the
inefficiency of Spanish officials, taking an active role in forging a true Filipino
identity.
Lastly, Rizal's idea of a Filipino nation. Rizal's concept of a Filipino nation
was shaped by the events of the 19th century. His success, and that of other Filipinos,
in achieving Independence was a direct response to the growing desire for justice,
equality, and freedom. The 19th-century world and Philippine context molded Rizal's
environment, and he used his capabilities to meet the people's needs and achieve
Filipino identity.
The independence that we have today is the result of how Rizal, together with
other Filipino heroes in history, fought hard to achieve the blessings of independence
and democracy.
Quiz
T or F: Read the instruction and given statements carefully. Write F if the statement is
wrong and write T if the statement is correct.
1. The 19 century was marked for its tremendous social change. Europe prospered
like never before and England led the way as the growing imperialist power.
2. In polo y servicio, the workers were called polo while the mandatory labor was
termed polistas.
3. The members of the principalia were exempted from forced labor by paying the
falla.
4. Frailocracy also means, government ruled by the Filipino
people.
5. The Philippines had a representative to the Spanish Cortes named Ferdinand
Blumentritt.
6. Andres Bonifacio is an ilustrado.
7. The 19th century introduced socio-cultural shifts, including the Enlightenment,
which promoted faith over human reason.
8. The opening of Manila as a free port in 1834 and subsequent provincial ports to
world trade led to a significant increase in exports.
9. Without an understanding of that "milieu", one can scarcely understand Rizal's
enduring importance to the Filipino people nor the relevance of his ideas and ideals
today.
10. The independence that we have today is not a result of how Rizal, together with
other Filipino heroes in history, fought hard to achieve the blessings of independence
and democracy.
11. Andres Bonifacio is an educated, middle-class Filipinos of the late 19th century
who studied in Europe, advocated for reforms, and helped foster Filipino nationalism.
12. Propaganda Movement is a peaceful, intellectual campaign by Filipino reformists
(ilustrados) in Europe, led by figures like José Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and
Graciano López Jaena.
13. Spain is the country where the Ilustrados studied.
14. The 19th Century also brought “socio-cultural changes”, including the
Enlightenment, which promoted human reason over faith.
15. Jose Rizal is a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the
Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a national hero
of the Philippines.
16. El Filibusterismo is one of the famous books of Rizal that means “Touch Me
Not” that intent to expose the corruption, abuses, and injustices of the Spanish
colonial government and Catholic friars in the Philippines, aiming to awaken Filipino
nationalism, advocate for reforms, and present the true condition of his country to the
world.
17. Galleon Trade was a Spanish maritime trade route connecting Manila
(Philippines) and Acapulco (Mexico), facilitating the exchange of Asian luxury goods
(silk, porcelain, spices) for American silver, forming the first global trade network
and connecting Asia, the Americas, and Europe for 250 years.
18. Jose Rizal is the person who highlighted a systemic racial prejudice in the
Philippines, where native Filipinos were at a disadvantage in various sectors,
including education, church hierarchy, public offices, and the legal system, primarily
due to a preference for Spaniards.
19. Ventura de los Reyes is the Philippine representative in Spanish Cortis and the
only one representative, in 1811 advocating for the colony’s needs Despite brief
advantages of representation, social injustices persisted, leaving Filipinos
marginalized and oppressed.
20. Rizal contribution in the Spanish Colonization is a big help for every Filipinos to
awaken nationalism..
B. Identify what is being described in the following sentences.
1. The middle-class Filipinos educated in Spain who were exposed to nationalistic
ideas.
2. The middle-class families who were given opportunities to administer friar estates
during the Spanish colonial era.
3. The payment given by wealthy Filipinos for them to be exempted from forced
labor.
4. A government ruled by the friars.
5. The mandatory labor rendered by the Filipinos during the Spanish colonial era.
[Link] person who highlighted a systemic racial prejudice in the Philippines, where
native Filipinos were at a disadvantage in various sectors, including education, church
hierarchy, public offices, and the legal system, primarily due to a preference for
Spaniards.
7. The 19th Century also brought "changes", including the Enlightenment, which
promoted human reason over faith. What is that changes?
8. A vital artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to
the Red Sea, creating the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia.
9. A Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial
period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a national hero of the
Philippines.
10. One of the famous books of Rizal that means "Touch Me Not" that intent to
expose the corruption, abuses, and injustices of the Spanish colonial government and
Catholic friars in the Philippines, aiming to awaken Filipino nationalism, advocate for
reforms, and present the true condition of his country to the world
11. The Philippines faced under representation in the Spanish Cortes, with only one
representative, in 1811 advocating for the colony’s needs Despite brief advantages of
representation, social injustices persisted, leaving Filipinos marginalized and
oppressed. Who’s that representative?
12. Was a Spanish maritime trade route connecting Manila (Philippines) and
Acapulco (Mexico), facilitating the exchange of Asian luxury goods (silk, porcelain,
spices) for American silver, forming the first global trade network and connecting
Asia, the Americas, and Europe for 250 years.
13. An educated, middle-class Filipinos of the late 19th century who studied in
Europe, advocated for reforms, and helped foster Filipino nationalism.
14. A peaceful, intellectual campaign by Filipino reformists (ilustrados) in Europe, led
by figures like José Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano López Jaena.
15. The powerful, near-absolute rule and control exerted by Spanish Catholic friars
(religious priests) over the political, economic, and social life in the Philippines
during the Spanish colonial era, particularly in the 19th century, acting as an
“invisible government” alongside or even above the official colonial administration.
Multiple Choice
1. A vital artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to
the Red Sea, creating the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia.
A. Philippine Sea. B. Suez Canal. C. Manila Bay. D. Pasig River
2. An educated, middle-class Filipinos of the late 19th century who studied in Europe,
advocated for reforms, and helped foster Filipino nationalism.
A. Filipino Students. B. College Students. C. Ilustrados. D. Elementary
Students
3. A peaceful, intellectual campaign by Filipino reformists (ilustrados) in Europe, led
by figures like José Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano López Jaena.
A. War on Drugs. B. Propaganda Movement C. Puro Paganda Movement D.
DPWH Movement
4. A Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial
period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a national hero of the
Philippines.
A. Gregorio Del Pilar. B. Heneral Luna. C. Jose Rizal. D. Andres Bonifacio
5. Spanish colonization NOT brought issues like:
A. Forced Labor B. Monthly Party. C. Cultural Imposition. D. Friar Abuse
6. The other term for forced labor required for Filipinos males aged 16-60 years old.
A. Polo Y Servicio. B. Sapilitang Pagtratrabaho. C. Construction Labor. D.
Child Labor
7. The person who highlighted a systemic racial prejudice in the Philippines, where
native Filipinos were at a disadvantage in various sectors, including education, church
hierarchy, public offices, and the legal system, primarily due to a preference for
Spaniards.
A. Father Burgos B. Jose Rizal C. Apolinario Mabini D. Heneral Luna
8. What “century” the Philippines, the frailocracy, or rule of the friars, exemplified
the lack of separation between church and state, resulting in the abuse of Filipinos and
agrarian unrest.
A. 16th Century . B. 18th Century C. 19th Century D. 20th Century
9. The Philippines faced underrepresentation in the Spanish Cortes, with only one
representative, in 1811 advocating for the colony’s needs Despite brief advantages of
representation, social injustices persisted, leaving Filipinos marginalized and
oppressed. Who’s that representative?
A. Manuel L. Quezon. B. Jose Rizal C. Ventura de los Reyes. D. Andres
Bonifacio
10. What is the reasons of Rizal, why did he write those books (El Filibusterismo and
Nole Me Tangere)
A. To expose the abuses, corruption, and oppression of the Spanish colonial
government and friars in the Philippines, aiming to awaken Filipino nationalism
B. To get revenue from the books. C. To get praise by his works D. To get famous
in the 19th century
11. Who is “NOT” belong to the three Ilustrados.
A. Andres Bonifacio. B. Jose Rizal. C. Marcelo H. del Pilar. D. Lopez Jaena
12. Where did the ilustrados study?
A. Spain. B. USA. C. Japan. D. India
13. The powerful, near-absolute rule and control exerted by Spanish Catholic friars
(religious priests) over the political, economic, and social life in the Philippines
during the Spanish colonial era, particularly in the 19th century, acting as an
“invisible government” alongside or even above the official colonial administration.
A. Frailocracy. B. Spanish Quarantine C. Martial Law. D. Absolute Control by
The Spanish
14. Was a Spanish maritime trade route connecting Manila (Philippines) and
Acapulco (Mexico), facilitating the exchange of Asian luxury goods (silk, porcelain,
spices) for American silver, forming the first global trade network and connecting
Asia, the Americas, and Europe for 250 years.
A. Galleon Trade. B. Market Trade C. Bitcoin Trade. D. Dollars to Peso
Trade
15. The 19th Century also brought “changes”, including the Enlightenment, which
promoted human reason over faith. What is that changes?
A. Night Changes B. Socio-Cultural Changes. C. Cultural Changes. D.
Socio Changes.
Quiz Answer
1. T
2. F
3. T
4. F
5. F
6. F
7. F
8. T
9. T
10. F
11. F
12. T
13. T
14. T
15. T
16. F
17. T
18. F
19. T
20. T
1. Ilustrados
2. Principalia
3. Falla
4. Frailocracy
5. Polo y servicio
6. Father Burgos
7. Socio-cultural Changes
8. Suez Canal
9. Jose Rizal
10. Noli Me Tangere
11. Ventura de los Reyes
12. Galleon trade
13. Ilustrados
14. Propaganda Movement
15. Frailocracy
1.B 9. C
2C 10. A
3.B 11. A
4.C 12. A
5.B 13. A
6.A 14. A
7.A 15. B
8.C