Propaganda Movement (Week 7)

Assessment
1. Narrate what sparked the 3rd level of nationalism.

The third level of nationalism in the Philippines was primarily ignited by the growing discontent

and disillusionment with Spanish colonial rule. Filipinos witnessed rampant corruption,

discrimination, and abuse of power by Spanish officials, leading to a sense of injustice and a

desire for change. Additionally, the rise of liberal movements in Europe, particularly in Spain,

inspired Filipinos to advocate for reforms and eventually, independence.

2. What are the aims of the Propaganda Movement?

The Propaganda Movement pursued a two-pronged approach:

• Reforms: The Movement sought to achieve reforms within the Spanish colonial system,

such as:

o Equal opportunities for Filipinos in government and the military.

o Freedom of speech and press.

o Representation of Filipinos in the Spanish Cortes (legislature).

o Secularization of education (reducing Church control).

o Fair taxation.

• Independence: Ultimately, the Propaganda Movement aspired for Philippine

independence from Spanish rule.

3. Who are its members and their works / what are they known for? (20 points)

• José Rizal (1861-1896): The most prominent figure, Rizal was a novelist, poet, and

physician. His novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," exposed the injustices

of Spanish rule and became rallying points for the nationalist movement.

• Marcelo H. del Pilar (1850-1896): A lawyer and journalist, del Pilar wielded satire as a

weapon. He edited "La Solidaridad," the Movement's newspaper, fiercely criticizing

Spanish colonialism.

• Graciano Lopez Jaena (1856-1896): A fiery orator and journalist, Jaena co-founded the

Propaganda Movement. His passionate speeches and writings championed Filipino

rights.

• Mariano Ponce (1863-1918): A physician and writer, Ponce contributed articles to "La

Solidaridad" and helped organize Filipino communities abroad.

4. How did the Propaganda Movement try to reach out to Spain and other Filipinos?

The Propaganda Movement employed a multifaceted approach to reach out to both Spain and

other Filipinos. They utilized publications like "La Solidaridad" to disseminate their ideas and

expose the abuses of Spanish rule. These publications were strategically distributed in both Spain

and the Philippines to garner support and raise awareness. Additionally, the Movement

established organizations and societies, such as the La Solidaridad Association, to unite Filipinos

and provide a platform for advocacy. These organizations played a crucial role in mobilizing

support for the Movement's goals and fostering a sense of solidarity among Filipinos.

5. What are Rizal’s contributions to the movement? (20 points)

Rizal's contributions to the Propaganda Movement were multifaceted and pivotal. His novels,

"Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," served as powerful indictments of Spanish rule,

exposing the injustices and corruption prevalent in the colonial system. These works sparked

widespread awareness and inspired Filipinos to fight for their rights. Rizal also provided crucial

leadership and inspiration to the Movement, uniting Filipinos in their struggle for independence.

His stature and intellect commanded respect, making him a unifying figure. Furthermore, Rizal

traveled to Europe to seek support for the Propaganda Movement and raise international

awareness of the Philippine situation. He established connections with influential individuals and

organizations, garnering international sympathy for the Filipino cause.

6. How does La Liga Filipina differ from La Solidaridad?

La Liga Filipina and La Solidaridad were two key organizations in the Philippine propaganda

movement, but they had distinct approaches and objectives. La Solidaridad was primarily a

propaganda movement operating from abroad, focusing on publishing articles and essays to

expose Spanish colonialism and advocate for reforms. On the other hand, La Liga Filipina was a

more secret and revolutionary organization founded by José Rizal. Based in the Philippines, it

aimed to unite Filipinos to resist Spanish oppression and eventually achieve independence.

While La Solidaridad sought reforms within the Spanish colonial system, La Liga Filipina had

more radical objectives, including promoting unity among Filipinos, mutual defense, and

preparing for a possible revolution. La Solidaridad primarily used peaceful means like

publication and diplomacy to achieve its goals, while La Liga Filipina was prepared to resort to

direct action and revolution if necessary. Both organizations played crucial roles in the

awakening of Filipino nationalism and the struggle for freedom.

7. What are the several points from Rizal about the Philippines’ attempts to liberate itself

from the Spaniards?

Rizal envisioned a multifaceted approach to Philippine liberation from Spanish rule. He

emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment, believing that educated

Filipinos would be better equipped to challenge Spanish oppression. He also stressed the need

for unity among Filipinos, recognizing that a divided people would be vulnerable to exploitation.

Rizal advocated for reforms within the Spanish colonial system to improve Filipino lives and

prepare for eventual independence. While he prioritized peaceful means, he recognized the

possibility of resistance as a last resort if reforms failed, believing that Filipinos had the right to

defend themselves and fight for their freedom.

8. How did the Propaganda Movement cease to exist?

The Propaganda Movement gradually declined and eventually ceased to exist due to a

combination of factors. Internal divisions among its members, particularly regarding their

strategies and goals, weakened its effectiveness. The Spanish authorities increasingly targeted

and persecuted members of the Movement, leading to arrests, exile, and even death, making it

difficult for the Movement to operate freely. Additionally, the emergence of the Philippine

Revolution in 1896, led by Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan, offered a more radical and

militant approach to achieving independence. This shift in focus and the growing popularity of

the Revolution contributed to the decline of the Propaganda Movement.

REFERENCES

Agoncillo, T. A. (1977). History of the Filipino people. National Historical Commission of the

Philippines.

Zafra, J. C. (1965). The great Filipino revolt: 1896-1898. University of the Philippines Press.

Alzona, E. (1956). The Propaganda Movement. Philippine Journal of History, 4(1), 1-26.

Constantino, C. A. (1975). The Propaganda Movement: A nationalist perspective. Philippine

Studies, 23(1), 3-22.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.foi.gov.ph/agencies/nhcp/

University of the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://up.edu.ph/