Questions and Answers
Who was the first Governor General of the Philippines?
What system did Legazpi establish in the Philippines?
In which year did Legazpi arrive to establish Spanish rule in the Philippines?
Who ruled the Philippines indirectly as the representative of the Spanish King?
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Which city did Legazpi found under Spanish rule in 1571?
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What was the primary role of the gobernadorcillo in the Spanish colonial system?
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Which statement accurately reflects the power dynamics of the Spanish friars during colonization?
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What was a common consequence of the pola system implemented by the Spanish?
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Which of the following best describes the concept of 'frailocracy' during the Spanish colonial period?
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What was one of the key outcomes of the divide and rule strategy employed by Spanish colonizers?
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Study Notes
Spanish Colonization of the Philippines
- Ruy Lopez de Villalobos named the Philippine Islands as “Filipinas” during his expedition in 1543.
- In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, appointed by King Philip II, became the first Governor General of the Philippines.
- Legazpi established the Encomienda system and founded Manila in 1571 after defeating Rajah Sulayman.
Political Structure
- Viceroy of Mexico governed the Philippines indirectly on behalf of the Spanish King.
- The Governor General served as the chief executive, state and church head, military commander, and possessed powers to pardon and address national issues.
- Local governance included Alcalde Mayor at the provincial level, Gobernadorcillo at the town level, and Cabeza de Barangay for barrios.
- Gobernadorcillo and Cabeza de Barangay were the only positions available to Filipinos, requiring them to be at least 23, educated, and property owners.
Influence of Spanish Friars
- Religious orders played a significant role in colonization, creating a frailocracy with considerable power.
- Friars dominated local society and governance, while parochial priests exercised control over secular Filipino priests.
- Opposition to the church was equated to opposition to the government.
Corruption and Abuses
- Excessive privileges led to weak governance; officials frequently punished dissent and favored friends and family.
- The provincial government headed by Alcalde Mayor was notably corrupt.
Key Corrupt Officials of the 19th Century
- Gen. Rafael de Izquierdo ordered the execution of GOMBURZA.
- Admiral Jose Malcampo's military competence was overshadowed by ineffective governance.
- Gen. Fernando Primo de Rivera accepted bribes from Manila's casino operators.
- Gen. Valeriano Weyler, known as "the Butcher," was notorious for his cruelty toward tenants.
- Gen. Camilo de Polavieja ordered the execution of José Rizal, a national hero.
Spanish Systems and Policies
- Polo: Mandatory labor for native males aged 16-60; Falla allowed exemption through payment.
- Encomienda: System granting land and labor to those who aided Spanish conquest and the Catholic Church.
- Tribute: Annual tax on families, payable in goods or money, symbolizing vassalage to Spain.
- Frailocracy: Control of the government by Spanish regular priests, leading to severe abuses.
- Patronato real: Joint authority of the Spanish government and Catholic Church, granting political power to clergy.
- Isolation policy: Due to fears of other colonizers, trade was confined to the Galeon trade, limiting the Philippines' interaction with Asia.
- Divide and rule: Colonists encouraged internal conflict among natives to strengthen colonial authority.
Events Leading to Change
- Intellectual Revolution (Enlightenment) led to new ideas about reason and humanity.
- Industrial Revolution influenced economic changes.
- Age of Exploration expanded global interactions.
- The opening of the Philippines to world trade created new opportunities and challenges.
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Description
Explore the significant events surrounding the Philippine Islands during the 16th century, focusing on the Villalobos expedition and the subsequent conquest led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. This quiz will guide you through the critical moments that shaped the Philippines' colonial history.
