Rizal's Context in 19th Century Philippines

19th Century Overview

• Significant global changes marked the 19th century, impacting Europe, Spain, and the Philippines.
• The Industrial Revolution's effects were witnessed in the Philippines, alongside educational advancement in Europe.
• Rizal emerged as an ilustrado and became integral to the Propaganda Movement, advocating for reform.

Political Context in the 19th Century

• From 1858 to 1863, France expanded into Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, while Dutch colonial ambitions focused on Indonesia.
• Spain's colonial empire faced stagnation, contrasting with the active colonial pursuits of other European powers.
• Spain maintained despotic rule over colonies like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, contributing to social unrest.

Issues Under Spanish Colonial Rule

• Filipinos confronted various social injustices, including:
  • Maladministration of justice and lack of equality before the law.
  • Racial prejudice, forced labor, and the influence of the Frailocracy (rule by friars).
  • Absence of representation in the Spanish Cortes, despite some political reforms like constitutions and parliamentary elections.

Legal and Judicial Context

• The Royale Audencia of Manila functioned as the Supreme Court, presided over by Spanish judges.
• Legal systems favored native nobles and Spaniards, resulting in unjust laws for Filipino laborers, with harsh penalties and responsibilities.

Economic Context in the 19th Century

• The latter half of the 19th century saw significant economic growth, characterized by advancements in machinery and industry in Europe.
• The Suez Canal, completed in 1869, greatly reduced travel time from Spain to the Philippines, enhancing trade efficiency.

Impact of Suez Canal

• Travel duration decreased from over two months to around 40 days post-canal opening, fostering closer connections between Europe and the Philippines.

Rise of Educated Filipinos (Ilustrados)

• Ilustrados, motivated by awareness of poor conditions in the Philippines, spearheaded the Propaganda Movement aimed at reforming colonial policies.

Socio-Cultural Developments

• The Enlightenment fostered a shift towards reason and science over religion, influencing Filipino intellectual currents.
• Print media gained traction, improving the flow of information facilitated by the Suez Canal, allowing Filipinos access to global ideas.

Economic Growth and Trade

• Manila became a free port in 1834, enhancing trade opportunities.
• Exports of hemp surged from 346 tons in 1831 to 27,500 tons by 1858, with significant trade routes developing.
• Sugar exports grew dramatically, peaking at 714,059 piculs by 1857, signaling economic transformation and investment influx from affluent locals and Spaniards.

Rizal's Background

• Rizal's lineage traces back to Domingo Lamco, a full-blooded Chinese immigrant from Fujian province, China, who arrived in Manila around 1690, contributing to Rizal's diverse heritage and early influences.

Explore the significant changes in the Philippines during the 19th century, focusing on how political and social shifts influenced Jose Rizal and his contributions as an ilustrado. Understand the impact of the Industrial Revolution and the Suez Canal on Filipino society and the Propaganda Movement.