Philippines History: Marcos Regime (1965-1986)

Study Notes

Ferdinand Marcos, a charismatic politician, became President of the Philippines in 1965
Initially, Marcos implemented reforms and modernization projects, earning him popularity
However, he soon became authoritarian, declaring martial law in 1972, and ruling by decree
Human rights abuses, corruption, and nepotism marred his regime
Marcos's regime was marked by:
- Economic stagnation and debt
- Suppression of opposition and media
- Cronyism and favoritism
- Extravagant spending and lavish lifestyle

Japan invaded the Philippines in 1942, during World War II
The country was occupied for three years, until the Allies liberated it in 1945
Key events during the occupation:
- Battle of Bataan (1942): Filipino and American forces fought against the Japanese
- Bataan Death March (1942): Thousands of prisoners of war were forced to march, resulting in many deaths
- Guerrilla warfare: Filipino resistance fighters fought against the Japanese
- Liberation of Manila (1945): Allied forces, led by General Douglas MacArthur, freed the city

The United States gained control of the Philippines from Spain in 1898, following the Spanish-American War
The American colonial period was marked by:
- Introduction of English as the primary language
- Establishment of a public education system
- Development of infrastructure and economy
- Filipinization of government: gradual transfer of power to Filipinos
- Granting of independence in 1946, with the signing of the Treaty of Manila

Ferdinand Marcos, a charismatic politician, became President of the Philippines in 1965, initially implementing reforms and modernization projects
He declared martial law in 1972 and ruled by decree, becoming authoritarian
Marcos's regime was marked by economic stagnation and debt, suppression of opposition and media, cronyism and favoritism, and extravagant spending and lavish lifestyle
Human rights abuses, corruption, and nepotism also marred his regime

Japan invaded the Philippines in 1942, during World War II, and occupied the country for three years
The Battle of Bataan (1942) saw Filipino and American forces fight against the Japanese
The Bataan Death March (1942) resulted in the deaths of thousands of prisoners of war
Guerrilla warfare was waged by Filipino resistance fighters against the Japanese
The country was liberated in 1945, with the Liberation of Manila, led by General Douglas MacArthur

The United States gained control of the Philippines from Spain in 1898, following the Spanish-American War
The American colonial period saw the introduction of English as the primary language
A public education system was established, and infrastructure and economy were developed
Filipinization of government led to a gradual transfer of power to Filipinos
The Treaty of Manila granted the Philippines independence in 1946

The Philippines was composed of various kingdoms, tribes, and principalities
Barangays were small, self-governing communities, led by datu or rajah
Trade and commerce flourished with neighboring countries and China
Islam and Hinduism influenced the culture, and indigenous cultures were diverse and rich in traditions and customs

Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines in 1521, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization
The majority of Filipinos converted to Christianity during this period
The Spanish East Indies was established, with the Philippines becoming a Spanish colony
The encomienda system granted land and labor to conquistadors
The galleon trade made the Philippines a key stop in the Manila-Acapulco trade route
A Filipino revolution grew, with increasing nationalism and resistance against Spanish rule