Rizal's Life Abroad and in Madrid

Rizal secretly left the Philippines to further his education and to secretly observe European countries' societies, laws, and governments to prepare for the liberation of the Philippines from Spain.

Rizal's hidden objective; to learn about the systems and ways different countries were ruled, to gather information on how to prepare for liberating the Philippines from the Spanish.

Rizal's voyage included stops in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Italy, and France, eventually reaching Barcelona.

Rizal reached Barcelona, Spain, on June 16, 1882, after an extended journey.

Rizal's departure deeply saddened his parents, especially his father, who was initially distraught, and even refused to be comforted. His brother Paciano, wrote to Rizal explaining the family's fears.

Rizal began writing for the Diariong Tagalog under the pseudonym Laong Laan, meaning "ever prepared." His essay "El Amor Patrio" (Love of Country), published in 1882, expressed his love for the Philippines.

Rizal studied medicine, philosophy, letters, painting, and sculpture in Madrid. He also learned multiple languages.

A Filipino student organization in Madrid that discussed political issues and concerns of Filipinos. It published a newspaper, but was short-lived.

Rizal faced financial hardship in Madrid. His family's finances declined, and his allowance was often delayed or insufficient.

Rizal gave a speech celebrating the Filipino painters Luna and Hidalgo. This speech brought Rizal immediate fame. The speech emphasized Filipino talent and independence.

A group of Filipino intellectuals in the late 19th century who advocated for reforms and promoted national consciousness.

The newspaper published by the Propaganda Movement, which promoted their ideals and discussed grievances against Spanish rule.

Rizal's novel, which criticized the abuses of Spanish friars and exposed social issues in the Philippines, leading to controversy and threats.

Rizal investigated the Calamba agrarian problems and revealed how friars exploited tenants, leading to their anger and demands for his exile.

A Japanese woman who Rizal befriended and fell in love with during his time in Japan, but left behind due to his patriotic duties.

Rizal, while staying with Juan Luna, served as a model for 'The Blood Compact' and 'Death of Cleopatra', posing as Sikatuna and a priest, respectively.

Rizal worked as an assistant with Dr. Otto Becker in Heidelberg, studying ophthalmology and diagnosing eye ailments, practicing practical diagnosis and treatment methods.

Rizal and Austrian scholar Ferdinand Blumentritt developed a strong friendship through letters; they exchanged knowledge about the Philippines, Europe, government, science, technology and personal matters, along with books, manuscripts and maps.

Rizal, facing financial difficulties, struggled with printing fees and illness in Berlin, leading to delays and near abandonment of the Noli Me Tangere novel. Maximo Viola aided substantially with a financial contribution.

Two thousand copies of Noli Me Tangere were secretly transported into the Philippines, disguised as merchandise through the clever ruse employed by their friends in Barcelona and Madrid.

He wanted to improve his English, study Antonio Morga's "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas", research Philippine history, and continue writing for "La Solidaridad" to defend Filipinos against Spanish tyranny.

Dr. Reinhold Rost, the librarian, allowed Rizal to research Philippine history at the British Museum, where he read Antonio Morga's "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas".

Filipino priest Vicente Garcia defended Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere" against the friars, citing praises from the novel to prove Rizal wasn't a heretic or blasphemer.

Rizal moved to Brussels to avoid the high cost of living and distractions in Paris, focusing on writing "El Filibusterismo".

Rizal was worried that Filipinos in Madrid were gambling too much, which could give the friars ammunition to discredit the Propaganda Movement and the fight for Philippine freedom.

Rizal's family and other tenants were evicted from their land by the Dominican friars who raised the rents, leading to a legal battle that the friars won.

Rizal was deeply angered and saddened. He felt the friars were exploiting the tenants and wrote a poem, "A Mi Musa", expressing his disappointment and calling for justice.

Four accusations were made against Rizal leading to his exile: publishing anti-Spanish and anti-friar content, satirizing friars in a leaflet, dedicating his book to revolutionaries, and undermining Filipino loyalty to Spain.

Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao, controlled by the Jesuits. Despite restrictions, Rizal was allowed to participate in civic activities and transformed his exile into a period of meaningful contribution.

Rizal won a significant sum of money from a lottery, which he used to purchase land, build a house, start a farm, establish a school, and open a clinic in Dapitan.

Rizal embraced farming in Dapitan, initially growing rice and corn, later partnering with his brother-in-law to sell abaca. He helped the locals improve their agricultural methods.

Rizal founded a school in Talisay, emphasizing community-based education, teaching subjects like Spanish, English, mathematics, and even gymnastics. He incorporated nature studies into his curriculum.

A political disagreement arose between Jose Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar in 1890, when del Pilar assumed the role of editor for La Solidaridad. Rizal felt alienated by del Pilar's editorial decisions as they had different political visions for the Philippines.

A vote was held among Filipinos in Madrid to elect a leader, known as the 'Responsable', to unify the group and coordinate their efforts. The election was held three times, with Rizal winning the majority each time, but failing to secure the required two-thirds majority.

Despite winning the election for the 'Responsable', Rizal declined the leadership position because he knew his views and personality were unpopular with some members of the group.

The La Liga Filipina, founded by Jose Rizal in Hong Kong, aimed to unite Filipinos, protect them from harm, promote education and economic development, and strive for reform.

Rizal proposed a Filipino colony in North Borneo as a solution for the evicted Calamba tenants. He sought to secure land in North Borneo with the help of William Pryer, but needed permission from the Spanish Governor-General.

Despite warnings from friends and family, Rizal returned to Manila in 1892 to address the plight of the evicted Calamba tenants and meet with the Spanish Governor-General.

The motto of La Liga Filipina was 'Unus Instar Omnium', which translates to 'One like all'. It reflects the organization's goal to unite Filipinos as one.

Just three days after founding La Liga Filipina, Rizal was arrested in Manila. The Spanish authorities cited a prior unrelated reason for his arrest, although suspicion about La Liga Filipina's activities played a part.

The constitution of La Liga Filipina outlined five key purposes: uniting Filipinos, providing mutual protection, combating violence and injustice, promoting education and economic activities, and advocating for reforms.

Upon his arrival in Manila, Rizal was greeted by a group of patriots including Apolinario Mabini, Deodato Arellano, and Andres Bonifacio. Together, they officially founded La Liga Filipina.