"The Philippines: A Century Hence" by Rizal

"The Philippines: A Century Hence"

• It is an essay by Jose Rizal, forecasting the country's future within a century.
• Rizal aimed to remind Spain of potential repercussions akin to the French Revolution in the Philippines.

Learning Outcomes

• Students should be able to evaluate Rizal’s writing.
• Students should be able to recognize the importance of understanding the past.
• Students should be able to identify possible topics related to the text.
• Students should be able to interpret views and opinions about heroism in context.
• Students should be able to formulate evidence-based arguments.

Introduction

• The essay provides compelling arguments about the country’s future state.
• Understanding the past is essential for predicting the future.
• Rizal stated that one must examine a people's history to understand their destiny.

19th Century Philippines

• Economic conditions improved in the Philippines.
• Filipinos face brutalization and oppression despite material progress..
• Rizal questions whether the Philippines can remain a Spanish colony amid inevitable progress.

Rizal's Predictions

• Rizal predicts the United States would likely colonize the Philippines if it becomes independent.

Summary and Analysis

• Rizal is reminding Spain that events similar to the French Revolution could occur in the Philippines.
• The essay, published in La Solidaridad, analyzes the causes of the Filipino people's suffering.
• Misery inflicted on the population was caused by Spain's implementation.
• Filipino indigenous culture deteriorated, leading to a loss of confidence and hope.
• The gradual destruction of the native Philippine culture happened after Spain's introduction of the sword and the cross .
• Filipinos lost confidence in their past, heritage, and eventually lost hope for the future and preservation of their race.

Impediments to Progress

• The natives realized foreign colonizers' oppression could not be tolerated.
• Rizal questions Spain's ability to prevent the Philippines’ progress.
• National consciousness had awakened despite efforts to keep people uneducated and ignorant.
• Exterminating Filipinos to hinder progress was not viable, as the Filipino race proved resilient.
• Genocide would require too many Spanish soldiers, making it unfeasible for Spain.

Fulfillment of Rizal's Vision

• Rizal's predictions came true.
• In 1898, Americans fought Spain for the Philippines, eventually taking control.
• Their reign was one of democracy and liberty.
• The Philippines gained independence five decades after Rizal's death.