Colonial Resistance in the Philippines

Colonial Responses in Southeast Asia

• Philippines (Spanish and American Periods): Filipinos utilized cultural elements like fiestas to demonstrate opposition against colonialism. Passions of Christ commemorations during Holy Week were integrated cultural expressions. Some Filipinos expressed sentiments against colonialism through artistic portrayals of Jesus as a victim of political oppression.
• Filipinization Movement: A movement aimed at transferring the administration of parishes from Spanish clergy to Filipino priests, and expelling Spanish friars.
• Early Filipino Resistance: Several revolts occurred against colonial rule, including Sumuroy's Revolt (1649-1650), Dagohoy's Revolt (1744-1829), and Diego Silang's Revolt. Gabriela Silang led a revolt during the Spanish colonization period.
• Propaganda Movement: Filipino reformists sought representation in the Spanish Cortes and wanted the Philippines to become a province of Spain. Key figures were Jose Rizal, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce, and Marcelo del Pilar. Publications such as La Solidaridad exposed the colonial situation.
• Reformists: Various Filipino and Spanish groups pushed for reforms and the Maura Law.
• Revolutionary Organizations: Secret societies like the Katipunan advocating independence emerged (e.g. Katipunan, Magdalo, and Magdiwang).
• The Tejeros Convention (1897): Leaders from Katipunan factions met to decide on leadership, ultimately electing Emilio Aguinaldo as president, which led to a split within the movement. Andres Bonifacio declared the convention invalid due to a challenge of his status, and was then subsequently imprisoned and assassinated.
• Philippine Independence Declaration (1898): Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite.
• Spanish-American War: The war began in Cuba and the US teamed up with Filipino revolutionaries led by Aguinaldo, who was in exile in Hong Kong.
• Treaty of Paris (1898): Spain ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. The US compensated Spain for infrastructure costs in the colonies (20 million dollars).
• Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation: Americans reassured Filipinos that they were aiming to aid in the Philippines transition to independence.
• Philippine-American War: Aguinaldo ordered troops to fight as guerillas, and reconcentration efforts led to widespread disease and hunger.
• National Assembly (1901): The US implemented democratic governance in the Philippines, and Filipinos were allowed to hold positions in the lower house.
• Philippine Tariff/Underwood-Simmons Act (1909/1913): Philippine products could enter the US duty-free.

Colonial Responses in Indonesia

• Arung Palakka: Appointed overlord of Sulawesi after suppressing Makassar with Dutch assistance.
• Education System: Developed to create a controllable labor force in Indonesia.

Colonial Responses in Malaysia

• Malay Chiefs: Collaborated with the British authorities rather than challenge their power.
• Preservation of Sultans' Prestige: Local residents maintained the Sultans' status and carefully implemented new British policies.
• The Cavite Mutiny (1872): An uprising against Spanish oppression, which fueled nationalist sentiments. Three Filipino priests - Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora - were unjustly executed, prompting calls for reform.
• Bandala System: A system where people were forced to sell their products to the local government (introduced by Spain).

Additional Information

• Anti-Chinese Sentiment: The Dutch killed 10,000 Chinese. The Dutch emerged victorious and controlled Java.
• Aceh War: Lasted over 30 years (1873-1904).

This lesson explores Filipino cultural resistance during Spanish and American colonial periods, including revolts and the Filipinization Movement. It highlights key figures and events like Sumuroy's Revolt, Dagohoy's Revolt, and the Propaganda Movement. It also includes cultural opposition through religious expression.