Philippine Independence & American Colonial Period

• These notes cover Emilio Aguinaldo's memoir, the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the Malolos Constitution, and political resistance during the American Colonial Period.

Aguinaldo's Strategic Decisions

• Aguinaldo strategically returned to Binakayan to protect a crucial stronghold from the Spanish, which was vital for maintaining Filipino resistance.

Battle of Binakayan

• Filipino troops were deceived in Binakayan by Filipino soldiers fighting for the enemy; these enemy soldiers feigned surrender before launching a sudden attack, causing an initial retreat.

Political Rivalry and Execution of Bonifacio

• Aguinaldo hesitated in approving the execution of Andres Bonifacio but ultimately faced pressure from his generals and Bonifacio's past supporters.
• Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were executed due to the perception that they posed a threat to Aguinaldo's leadership.

Significance of National Symbols

• The first Philippine flag symbolized Filipino unity in the face of Spanish rule.
• The eight rays of the sun on the flag represent the eight provinces that declared war against Spain: Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna.

Challenges to Independence

• The United States did not recognize the Philippine Declaration of Independence because it had already signed a treaty with Spain concerning control of the Philippines.

Reasons for the Revolution

• The Declaration of Philippine Independence listed multiple grievances but did not explicitly address economic exploitation by Spanish merchants.
• Abuses by the Spanish Civil Guards, including arbitrary arrests, were primary causes of the revolution.

Impact of the Malolos Constitution

• The Cabinet Crisis of 1923 was triggered by Governor-General Leonard Wood's refusal to suspend Ray Conley.

Political Resistance Through Art

• Filipino artists used satirical cartoons to express political discontent, circumventing censorship.
• Political cartoons during the American colonial period often criticized both American and Spanish colonial governments.

Additional Notes

• Antonio Pigafetta documented the first recorded Mass in the Philippines on Mazaua Island on March 31, 1521 (Easter Sunday).
• Butuan tradition claims the first Mass occurred on April 8, 1521, and a monument was built near the Agusan River.
• A study confirmed the first Mass was on Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte.
• Magellan's expedition first saw "Zamal" (now Samar) on March 16, 1521, marking their arrival.
• A monument was built in Butuan City in 1872 to honor Magellan's landing and the first Mass, based on local beliefs.
• The Cavite Mutiny of 1872 was caused by removing labor privileges at the Cavite arsenal, combined with nationalist sentiments and Spanish repression.
• Governor-General Rafael Izquierdo tied the native clergy to the Cavite Mutiny claiming they conspired against Spanish rule.
• Spanish friars and colonial officials used the mutiny to reinforce their power, framing it as a plot to overthrow the government.
• Filipino accounts suggest Spanish authorities banned a school for arts and trades, further fueling Filipino resentment.
• The execution of GOMBURZA and the Cavite Mutiny inspired the Philippine Revolution of 1896 and the independence of 1898.
• Locating the original document proving Rizal's alleged retraction was difficult, which fuels the debate around its authenticity.
• H. Otley Beyer, an expert in handwriting analysis, examined the authenticity of Rizal's retraction.
• Guillermo Masangkay recorded that the "Cry of Balintawak" marked the start of the Philippine Revolution.
• Revolutionaries gathered in Balintawak on August 26, 1896, to launch the movement against Spanish rule, according to Masangkay.
• Tearing cedulas during the Cry of Pugad Lawin symbolized Filipinos' defiance against Spanish colonial authority.
• The Cry of Pugad Lawin is remembered as a powerful moment in Philippine history, representing the unity and determination of Filipinos in their fight for freedom.