Filipino Nationalism

SS038, The Life and Works of Rizal

Instructor: Philip Centene D. Siloterio
Objectives/Outcomes
1. Analyze the dynamism in social, political, economic,
and cultural life during the 19th century Philippines and
the world.
2. Correlate the making of a hero in Jose Rizal in the
context of his time by understanding the rise of Filipino
Nationalism
Meaning of Nationalism
• It is a condition of mind, feeling, or sentiment of a group of people
living in a well defined geographical area, speaking a common
language, possessing a literature in which the aspirations of the
nation have been expressed, attached to common traditions and
common customs, venerating its own heroes, and in some cases,
having a common religion
-Louis L Snyder
Certain characteristics needed to form
nationalism:

• common ideals and aspirations

• a feeling of belongingness
• common bonds
RetardatoryFactors in the rise of Philippine
Nationalism:

• The insular condition of the Philippines

• Linguistic diversity and the absence of a common language
• Passport Requirement
Contributory Factors:
1. Opening of the Philippines to International Trade
• Philippine trade expanded after the opening of the Philippines to
Europeans and Americans, and reached a wider market Philippine
exports now included Philippine products in greater volume and
variety.
• The opening of Philippine ports stimulated foreign demand for
Philippine products and also stimulated production in the Philippines,
bringing some prosperity.
2. Emergence of the Middle Class
• The prosperity brought about by the expansion of Philippine trade
bred a new social class among the Filipinos and mestizos. Prosperity
brought by increased agricultural production and expanded
commerce elevated some landowners and merchants to a higher
economic level than the masses of Filipinos. Their wealth enabled
them to send their children to the better schools in Manila and, more
important, in Spain and other European countries.
3. Coming of Liberals and Liberal Ideas
• The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 shortened the route between
the Philippines and Europe. The reduction of the time required for
traveling and, possibly, of fare, was followed by a great increase in
number of Spaniards and other Europeans who came to the
Philippines in the second half of the 19th century.
4. Racial Prejudice
• Racial consciousness and solidarity were awakened among the
Filipinos by the racial and cultural snobbery of the Spaniards, who
looked down upon them and gave them too limited opportunities in
the government.
5. The Secularization Controversy
• This controversy was brought by the secularization movement of the
Filipino clergy. The movement was aimed at allowing the Filipino
priests to serve as administrators of the Philippine parishes.
• The position of a parish priest was the most important position
which Filipinos could aspire for during Spanish rule Thus, they sought
the position, not only as a matter of recognizing ability or loyal
service, but because the Filipinos could see the influence and prestige
enjoyed by parish priests Filipino.
• Visitation is an administrative procedure whereby a church official
visits, or inspects, a parish to see whether its affairs are being
conducted properly.
6. Liberalism of Carlos Maria delaTorre(1869-
1871)
• A few of the governors general sent by Spain
to the Philippines were liberal minded
Possibly the most liberal was Carlos Maria
dela Torre. He was sent to the Philippines by
the liberal government established in Spain.
• The liberalism of dela Torre impressed the
Filipinos and won their liking and support. He
showed the Filipinos that they had as much
right, as a people, to dignity and self respect
and recognition as the Spaniard
7. Cavite Mutiny and the Execution of Gomez,
Burgos and Zamora
• On the night of January 20 1872
Filipino soldiers in the fort of San
Felipe in Cavite rose in mutiny under
the leadership of Sergeant La Madrid.
The abolition by Governor General
Rafael de Izquierdo of certain
privileges, long enjoyed by Filipino
workers in the nearby arsenal and in
the barracks of the artillery and
engineer corps, precipitated the
mutiny.
The Reform (Propaganda) Movement
• The execution of the GOM BUR ZA
made many Filipinos realize that it was
not safe for them to fight their cause
in the colony. Thus, many of them
brought their struggle to Europe
where the political environment
provided safer and freer grounds for
their activities In time, the
personalities involved in these
activities would collectively be called
reformists and their activities would
be regarded as the reform movement.
Rise of the Reform Movement
• Many patriotic students and Filipino exiles abroad banded together
and consecrated themselves to the work of promoting the welfare
and happiness of their fatherland.
Reforms Desired by the Movement:
1. Assimilation of the Philippines as a regular province of Spain
2. Equality of Filipinos and Spaniards before the laws
3. Restoration of Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes
4. Secularization of the Philippine parishes and expulsion of the friars
5. Human rights for Filipinos, such as freedom of speech, freedom of
the press And freedom to meet and petition for redress of grievances
The Reformists
• The Reformists were mostly members
of the middle class. Approximately, half
of them belonged to the propertied
class while the other half belonged to
the intellectual class. Of all the
members, three individuals emerged to
be outstanding reformists Marcelo H
del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena and
Jose P Rizal.
Failure of the Movement
1. The mother country ( was too pre occupied with its own internal
problems to pay attention to the so called Philippine problem
2. The friars were too powerful even in Spain to be sidetracked by
Spanish authorities
3. There was lack of funds so that even the publication of the La
Solidaridad was jeopardized
4. The propagandists were also divided due to lack of unity, differences
in opinion, petty jealousies and personal ambitions
La Liga Filipina
This was organized by Rizal upon his return to the Philippines in July 3,
1892. The primary aims of the Liga were:
1. To unite the whole archipelago into one compact, vigorous and
homogeneous body
2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity
3. Defense against all violence and injustice
4. Encouragement of instruction, agriculture and commerce, and
5. Study and application of reforms
• Despite its noble intentions, the Liga was short lived as it was deemed
dangerous by the Spaniards and arrested its leader on July 6 1892 and
subsequently deported him to Dapitan. As a consequence, the
members got demoralized and were divided into two factions:
1. the Cuerpo de Compromisarios and;
2. the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng
Bayan or KKK or simply Katipunan
References:

• Gregorio F. Zaide(2003). Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a

Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National Hero. Quezon City, National
Bookstore.
• Google images