Rizal and the 19th Century World

• Jose Rizal was born in the 19th century
• This was a time of significant global changes
• Rizal grew up during the Philippines' struggle for independence
• He also experienced the shifting social, economic, and political landscape

The 19th Century

• Considered the "Birth of Modernity."
• Modernity emphasizes a break from traditional ways of life.
• It marks the emergence of new ideas, attitudes, and institutions.
• It represents the transition to a new era

Age of Revolution

• The 19th century was part of this period
• The Industrial Revolution brought new modes of production, transportation, and communication.
• A shift from manual labor to machine-based production occurred.
• This transformation led to new forms of work and leisure.
• It resulted in urbanization and the growth of cities.
• Various political revolutions happened during the late 18th and 19th centuries.
• Political changes challenged the power of the monarchy.
• These changes paved the way for new forms of governance based on individual rights, nationalism, and freedom.
• The era was marked by political upheavals like the American and French Revolutions.
• These were influenced by the Enlightenment.
• The Enlightenment valued reasons, rationality, and individualism.
• The 19th century focused on individualism, rationality, and belief in progress.
• It also focused on the ability to shape the world through scientific, technological, and social advancement.
• The Industrial Revolution occurred in places such as Britain, Spain, and France

Economical Condition

• Trading was apparent among Filipino ancestors before Spanish colonization.
• Early merchants traded with countries like China, Japan, Siam, Cambodia, India, Borneo, and the Moluccas.
• The Spanish saw an opportunity to profit from this trade.
• The ports of Manila were closed to all countries except Mexico.
• Thus, the Manila-Acapulco Trade, also known as the Galleon Trade, was born.
• Manila became the center of commerce in the East due to the trade monopoly.
• By the late 18th century, the Galleon system faced competition.
• Other nations became self-sufficient and preferred direct trade.
• Spain depended heavily on the silver mines of its colonies in South America.
• The value of silver declined because of increased production in the Americas.
• The profit margins of Galleon Trade merchants reduced.
• Revolts, like the War of Independence in Mexico, took place.
• Focus shifted away from trade
• The Galleon Trade ended by decree during the first decade of the 19th century.
• The Philippines needed a commercial purpose as the Galleon Trade ended.
• Spain opened the Philippines economy to world commerce in 1834.
• This was encouraged by the economic opportunities of the Industrial Revolution.
• The Philippines became a supplier of raw materials for Western industries.
• Underutilized land resources were utilized for cash crop agriculture.
• Cash crop agriculture is a type of farming where crops are grown primarily for sale rather than for local consumption.
• British, Dutch, and American trading companies invested in the country.
• Large-scale production of products like tobacco and sugar was facilitated.
• Foreign investors needed people in the Philippines.
• These people include Chinese, Mestizos, and rich natives.
• Locals assisted with land acquisition, labor mobilization, crop transportation, and retail trade.
• Chinese immigrants served as middlemen between provinces and merchant houses of the Mestizos in Manila.
• Rich natives became tenants known as "Inquillinos" in Spanish.
• Inquillinos oversaw cash crop production by subleasing haciendas from friars.
• The haciendas were then sublet to indigenous farmers.
• The Suez Canal shortened the distance between Europe and the Philippines.
• Positive effects took place due to the Industrial Revolution.
• The Philippines was opened for world commerce.
• Foreigners engaged in manufacturing and agriculture.
• The Philippine economy became dynamic and balanced.
• A new influential, wealthy Filipino middle class rose.
• People were encouraged to participate in trade.
• Migration and population increases were encouraged.
• In 1825, the total trade of the Philippines was 2.8 million pesos.
• In 1875, it was 31.1 million pesos.
• By 1895, it had grown to 62 million pesos.
• The fast tempo of economic progress in the Philippines during the 19th century occurred.
• This was facilitated by the Industrial Revolution.
• It resulted in a new breed of rich and influential Filipino middle class.
• The Inquillino class became wealthy.
• This class includes the Rizal patriarch, the Mercado family.

Social Conditions

• The Spanish racial hierarchy in the Mariana Islands was:
  • Peninsulares
  • Creoles or Insulares
  • Mestizos
  • Native Filipinos
  • Indios
• Ilustrados were a group of educated natives.
• They sought freedom and independence from Spanish rule.
• They were referred to as "erudite", "learned", or "enlightened ones".
• The Industrial Revolution necessitated change in the Philippine education system.
• The Educational Decree of 1863 was introduced.
• The return of Jesuits was a significant event.
• It influenced the education system in the Philippines.

Political Condition

• The court of justice in the Philippines was corrupt during Rizal's time.
• It was a court of "injustice" for brown Filipinos.
• Rizal, Ilustrados, and other Filipinos felt injustices.
• Spain was seen as "regressive" and "incompatible".
• Reformists were inspired by the revolution to pursue freedom and independence.