History as a Discipline Overview

Study Notes

History is derived from the Greek word "Historia," meaning knowledge gained through inquiry or investigation.
The discipline of history has existed for approximately 2,400 years, alongside subjects like Mathematics and Philosophy.
It accounts for the past of individuals or groups, relying heavily on written documents and historical evidence.
No documentation equates to no history; essential historical sources include receipts, letters, and government records.

Historiography is the writing of history based on critical examination of sources.
External Criticism: Verifies the authenticity of historical evidence by analyzing its physical characteristics.
Internal Criticism: Analyzes the content of the source, considering the circumstances under which it was produced.

Historical sources are critical research tools, divided into two categories:
- Primary Sources: Created during the same timeframe as the event being studied.
- Secondary Sources: Created using primary sources or produced one or more stages removed from the original time period.

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines was driven by "God, Gold, and Glory."

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer under the Spanish flag, started his voyage in 1519 with intentions of circumnavigating the globe.
Villalobos Expedition (1542): Ruy Lopez de Villalobos led an expedition from New Spain (Mexico) but faced significant challenges.
Legazpi Expedition (1565): Following Villalobos, King Philip II sent Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to establish a permanent Spanish presence in the Philippines.
- Legazpi arrived in Cebu on February 13, 1565, forming alliances with local chieftains, notably with Datu Sikatuna.

Legazpi returned to Cebu on April 27, 1565, and established settlement after defeating Rajah Tupas.
2,100 Spanish men arrived from Mexico to support colonization efforts, leading to the construction of Fuerza de San Pedro in Cebu as a trading outpost.
On May 8, 1565, Martin de Goiti landed in Manila, forming alliances before facing resistance from Rajah Suliman, resulting in the conquest of Manila.

Magellan's fleet comprised five ships: San Antonio, Santiago, Concepcion, Victoria, and Trinidad, with 264 crew members.
His arrival in what he called "Islas de San Lazaro" on March 16, 1521, marked a significant moment in Spanish exploration.
The Treaty of Tordesillas allowed Spain to explore the Pacific, which they capitalized on through Magellan's voyage after 1519.
Magellan first landed in Homonhon, Samar, and engaged with locals using Enrique, a Malay interpreter.

On March 31, 1521, the Spaniards participated in the first mass in the archipelago, led by Father Pedro de Valderrama, with accounts varying on the location.
Following the mass, they erected a cross, symbolizing the introduction of Christianity in the region.