Philippines in the 19th Century: Rizal's Context

The Philippines in the 19th Century: Rizal's Context

• The 19th century was marked by the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, and new technologies.
• Rizal was born in 1861 and exposed to these changes.
• Rizal witnessed the effects of the Industrial Revolution.
• Rizal benefited from the opening of the Suez Canal.
• Rizal gained education in Europe.
• Rizal became an "ilustrado" (educated Filipino).
• Rizal played a key role in the Propaganda Movement.
• The Propaganda Movement strived to reform Spain's colonial policies in the Philippines.

Political Context

• England spearheaded imperialism, followed by France and other countries.
• France conquered Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
• The Dutch expanded their influence in Southeast Asia.
• Spain stagnated and maintained its despotic rule over Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
• Spain's decline resulted from internal conflicts and the increase of other European powers.

Suffering in the Philippines

• The Philippines encountered numerous social issues due to Spanish colonial rule which included:
  • The courts favored Spaniards over Filipinos, leading to unfair trials.
  • Filipinos faced costly, unfair, and biased trials due to skin color, political influence, and economic status.
  • The Spanish Penal Code imposed harsher penalties on Filipinos.
  • Filipinos were required to perform forced labor and pay tribute.
  • Native nobles and pure-bred Spaniards enjoyed legal preferences and exemptions.
  • Racial discrimination was prevalent among native clergy.
  • Fr. Burgos spoke out against racial discrimination.
  • Filipinos were overlooked for positions of power and authority.
  • Filipino males aged 16-60 had to perform forced labor (polo y servicio).
  • "Polo" was a form of unpaid labor that burdened Filipinos and often led to exploitation.
  • Paying a fee (falla) could exempt people from forced labor .
  • Friars held significant power, leading to abuses and agrarian unrest.
  • Friars controlled land, politics, and influenced the populace.
  • The Philippines lacked representation in the Spanish Cortes (parliament).
  • Ventura de los Reyes's efforts led to the abolition of the galleon trade.

Economic Context

• The Industrial Revolution in Europe increased production and the need for new markets.
• Steam engines and machinery created a surplus of goods.
• European powers sought new territories for trade and resources.
• The Suez Canal was constructed in 1869, shortening the distance between Europe and Asia.
• Spain was brought closer to the Philippines.
• Trade and communication were facilitated.
• The Philippines became more attractive to European markets.
• The Suez Canal brought shorter travel time, increased trade, education for Filipinos, and the Propaganda Movement to the Philippines.

Socio-Cultural Context

• The Enlightenment period emphasized reason over faith, influencing the Philippines.
• Filipinos questioned Spanish rule and Catholic Church dominance.
• The opening of the Suez Canal made books and print media more accessible.
• Information spread, contributing to nationalism and Filipino identity.
• The "principalia," a middle class, emerged and benefited from agricultural demand.
• The principalia mediated between Spanish authorities and Filipinos.
• Economic reforms were implemented to enhance trade, including:
  • Reforms aimed to improve trade efficiency and reduce abuses.
  • The galleon trade was reformed to be more competitive and address corruption.
  • Spaniards were encouraged to settle in provinces for agriculture and trade.
  • Increasing Spanish control and promoting economic interests was intended.
  • The government sought to expropriate land owned by friars which was controversial.
• Despite reforms, agrarian unrest persisted due to friar exploitation.
• Friars raised rents and taxes, causing discontent.
• Rizal fought against friar abuses, exposing injustices.
• He used writing and activism to advocate for farmers' rights.

Understanding Rizal in the Context of the 19th Century Philippines

• Rizal's life and works were shaped by political, economic, and social conditions.
• Experiences of injustices fueled his desire for reform.
• He was committed to fighting for a better future.
• Rizal fought for reforms to address injustices.
• Education, social awareness, and national identity were crucial for true equality and freedom.
• He criticized Spain's colonial policies, exploitation, corruption, inefficiency, and legitimacy of Spanish rule.
• Rizal exposed friar abuses, greed, power abuse, and their role in perpetuating injustices in his novels.
• Rizal's legacy intertwined with the 19th century Philippines.
• He helped shape Filipino identity and the fight for independence.
• He was a symbol of Filipino nationalism and a source of inspiration.

Rizal's Life: Family, Childhood, and Early Education

• Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna.
• Parents: Don Francisco Mercado (born May 11, 1818) and Doña Teodora Alonso (born November 9, 1827).
• Baptized on June 22, 1861, by Fr. Rufino Collantes, named after Saint Joseph and Saint Protacio.
• Godfather: Fr. Pedro Casanas.
• Family Nickname: Pepe.
• Rizal's mother had a difficult time giving birth to him.
• Doña Teodora made a vow to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo to send her child on a pilgrimage.
• The Rizal family belonged to the "Principalia" class.
• The family lived well through honest work and frugal living.
• They earned their living from their farms, raising rice, corn, sugarcane, pigs, chickens, and turkeys.
• Don Francisco and Doña Teodora had a harmonious relationship.
• The parents disciplined their children and instilled courtesy, respect, and religious faith.
• Don Francisco Mercado was born on May 11, 1818, in Biñan, Laguna.
• He was a descendant of Domingo Lamco.
• He studied Latin, philosophy, and Latin at the Colegio de San Jose in Manila.
• Rizal considered Don Francisco a "model of fathers."
• Don Francisco Mercado died on January 5, 1898, at 80.
• Doña Teodora Alonso was born on November 9, 1827, in Manila.
• She attended the College of Santa Rosa.
• Doña Teodora Alonso Died on August 16, 1911, at 85, in Manila.

Rizal's Siblings

• Saturnina (Neneng) was the eldest sibling, born in 1850, and married to Manuel Hidalgo.
• She died in 1913 at age 63.
• Paciano was Rizal's only brother, born in 1851, and considered a second father figure.
• He married Severina Decena and had two children.
• Paciano died in 1930 at 79.
• Narcisa (Sisa) was born in 1852, and believed to have supported Rizal's studies abroad.
• She died in 1939 at 87.
• Olimpia (Ypia) was born in 1855, married Silvestre Ubaldo, and died in 1887 at 32.
• Lucia was born in 1857, married Mariano Herbosa, and died in 1919 at 62.
• Maria was born in 1859, married Daniel Faustino Cruz, and died in 1945 at 86.
• Conception (Concha) was born in 1862, and died at 3 in 1865.
• Josefa was born in 1865, unmarried, lived with her sister Trinidad, and died in 1945 at 80.
• Trinidad was born in 1868, unmarried, and died in 1951 at 83.
• Soledad was born in 1870, married Pantaleon Quintero, and died in 1951 at 81.
• Rizal's childhood was filled with happy memories, living by Laguna Lake and Mount Makiling.
• He was an amiable, thoughtful, and loving son and brother.
• He was frail and sickly, receiving loving care from his parents.
• His mother noticed his early writing interest.
• He wrote the poem "In Memory of My Town" as a young boy.
• His father built him a small nipa hut for playing and resting.
• He was cared for by an aya hired by his father.
• He enjoyed riding his pony around his hometown.
• His first trip to Antipolo with his father fulfilled his mother's vow.

Early Education

• Doña Teodora taught him the alphabet, prayers, and the Bible.
• Rizal was taught by private tutors: Maestro Celestino, Maestro Lucas Padua, and Leon Monroy.
• Rizal attended the school of Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz in Biñan, Laguna, in June 1869.
• The teacher was a strict disciplinarian.
• Rizal fought and defeated a bully named Pedro.
• Rizal excelled in academics, surpassing his classmates in Spanish, Latin, and other subjects.
• Some classmates envied his intelligence and spread lies about him.
• The GOMBURZA execution and his mother's imprisonment deeply affected Rizal.
• When Rizal was 11, his mother was arrested and imprisoned for two years without trial.
• The accusations against Doña Teodora were false.
• She was forced to walk 50 kilometers to Santa Cruz.

The Martyrdom of GOMBURZA

• In January 1872, Filipino soldiers and workers revolted.
• Numerous people were arrested, including those unconnected to the mutiny.
• Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora (GOMBURZA) were executed on February 17, 1872.
• The execution was deeply mourned.
• Paciano quit his studies and shared Burgos's martyrdom story with Rizal.
• The GOMBURZA's martyrdom inspired Rizal to fight against Spanish tyranny.