Understanding History: An Overview

Introduction to History

• History unveils human experiences, triumphs, and struggles that molded the world.
• As a discipline, it explores past societies, individuals, events, and cultures.
• Studying history provides insights into civilization's evolution, power dynamics, and ideas.
• Examining primary sources and analyses aids in understanding present identity and origins.

Definition of History

• History involves the systematic exploration and documentation of human activities.
• "History" derives from the Greek word "historia," signifying "knowledge acquired through inquiry."
• The term "history" evolved from an ancient Greek verb meaning "to know".

Relevance of History in Other Fields

• Psychology: Offers insights into human behavior and psychological theories.
• Sociology: Provides a foundation by offering a longitudinal view of social structures.
• Anthropology: Aids in understanding the development of cultures and belief systems.
• Economics: Helps understand past economic systems, policies, and market behaviors.
• Political Science: Gives insights into political ideologies, institutions, and governance.
• Geography: Shows how landscapes and human activities have changed over time, including migration and urbanization.

Historical Sources

• Historians use primary and secondary sources to study the past.

Primary Sources

• These are original materials from the studied event's timeline.
• They provide direct evidence of the past historical setting.
• Documents, photographs, letters, and diaries are examples of primary source documents.
• Artifacts, official records, newspapers, and audio/video recordings also represent primary sources.
• These sources give a direct connection to past information.

Secondary Sources

• These are analyses and interpretations of historical events using primary source data.
• They offer broader perspectives, commentary, and analysis.
• Books, articles, documentaries, and academic papers are examples of secondary sources.
• These resources reflect on the past and are written after the events.

External Criticism

• Historians use external and internal criticism to check accuracy and avoid misinformation.
• It checks a source's authenticity and credibility.
• This is achieved by examining physical attributes, the historical context, and materials used.
• This type of criticism helps in determining source trustworthiness.

Internal Criticism

• Historians assess content accuracy after confirming authenticity.
• Considerations include the author's background, purpose, and potential biases.
• Awareness of potential alterations for propaganda is crucial.
• Both criticisms ensure historians use reliable, verified sources.

The Katipunan

• Full Name: Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).
• It was the most important organization in Philippine history.
• The goal was to unite Filipinos for independence from Spain.
• Unlike past revolts focused on local areas, the Katipunan aimed for a united Filipino nation.
• Unlike the Propaganda Movement's reform goals, the Katipunan demanded complete freedom.

The "Kartilya ng Katipunan"

• It's a moral code with 14 rules and values for Katipuneros.
• Emilio Jacinto wrote it in 1896 when he was 18 years old.
• Its original title was "Mga Aral Nang Katipunan ng mga A.N.B.", or "Lessons of the Organization of the Sons of the Country".
• Andres Bonifacio chose Jacinto's version over his own (Decalogue).
• Jacinto was the organization's secretary, handling the Katipunan’s printing press.
• In 1897, Bonifacio made him the commander of Northern Luzon.
• Jacinto died of malaria in Laguna at age 24.

Philippine Independence Proclamation

• Marks the end of 333 years of Spanish rule.
• It officially declared Philippine independence in Cavite on June 12, 1898.
• It was a short, 2,000 word document.

Reasons for Filipino Revolt

• The document lists Spanish abuses, including unjust arrests and executions by the Civil Guard.
• The Spanish also enforced unfair laws favoring Spaniards and corrupt clergy.
• Deportation of Filipinos without trial was another abuse.

Revolution Events

• The revolution began after the Pact of Biak-na-Bato collapsed.
• It quickly spread through Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna, Morong (Rizal), and Visayas.
• The document specifically condemned Rizal’s execution and the 1872 Cavite Mutiny.

Meaning of the Philippine Flag

• The white triangle symbolized of the Katipunan.
• Three stars signify Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay.
• The sun represents the progress of the country.
• Eight rays represent the first eight revolting provinces: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas.
• Red and blue stand for courage and peace.

Treaty of Paris

• It was an agreement between Spain and the United States.
• It was signed on December 10, 1898.
• The US was sold the Philippines for $20 million.

Key Points

• The Katipunan first fought for total independence.
• The "Kartilya" was the Katipunan's moral code, teaching honor, equality, and discipline.
• The Proclamation of Independence listed the revolution's reasons and named Aguinaldo as a dictator.
• The Philippine flag has deeper meanings.

Antonio Pigafetta

• Pigafetta was born in Vicenza, Italy, around 1491, and was an Italian nobleman.
• He was a scholar, navigator, and chronicler, not a soldier.
• His detailed records made his accounts important historical records.
• Pigafetta joined Magellan's expedition as a volunteer and personal assistant.
• He was at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521 where he was wounded.
• His detailed accounts provide valuable insight into the cultures and events encountered.

Ferdinand Magellan and His Expedition

• Ferdinand Magellan sought fame and fortune by discovering a western sea route to the Spice Islands (Maluku Islands, Indonesia).
• Funding came from Spain, as King Charles I supported the voyage after Portugal declined.
• Spain aimed to establish a trade route to the East Indies to compete with Portugal.

Armada de Moluccas

• Trinidad was the flagship and captained by Magellan.
• Victoria was the only ship to complete the circumnavigation under Juan Sebastián Elcano.
• Concepción was abandoned due to shortages.
• Santiago wrecked in a storm.
• San Antonio deserted and caused a major setback.

Key Locations and Encounters during Magellan's Voyage

• Ladrones Islands, now Marianas Islands, were described by Pigafetta as inhabited by thieves.
• Humunu Island was called the "Watering Place of Good Signs" due to fresh water and food.
• The first Catholic Mass in the Philippines occurred in Limasawa on March 31, 1521.
• Magellan established relations with Rajah Humabon and introduced Christianity in Cebu.
• Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan fighting Lapulapu’s warriors on April 27, 1521.

Encounters with the Three Kings

• On March 28, 1521, Magellan met Raia Calambu after arriving at Limasawa (Southern Leyte).
• The first Catholic Mass occurred on March 31, 1521, in Limasawa and Raia Calambu attended.
• Raia Siagu was allied with Raia Calambu during interactions with Magellan’s crew.
• On April 7, 1521, Magellan arrived in Cebu and met Raia Humabon.
• Magellan gifted Humabon an image of the Child Jesus that became the Sinulog Festival symbol.
• After Magellan's death, Humabon's people ambushed the Spaniards in Cebu.

Important Points

• Juan Sebastián Elcano completed the first circumnavigation in 1522 after Magellan’s death.
• Only 18 of the original 270 crew members survived.
• Spanish colonization began in 1565 under Miguel López de Legazpi.
• Magellan's arrival marked the first European contact with the archipelago.
• Local rulers governed through Barangays, or independent communities.
• Filipinos had trade networks with China, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• Magellan wanted to establish a trade route, not conquer the Philippines.
• His involvement in local conflicts led to his downfall.
• Magellan's first crew documented to reach the Philippines, bringing many new things.
• Pigafetta helped in understanding early Philippine history.

Treaty of Tordesillas

• Divided the world into Spanish and Portuguese territories. Magellan sailed for Spain though he was Portuguese.

Impact of the Voyage

• Magellan proved the world was round.
• Elcano demonstrated global maritime trade was possible.

Long-Term Effects on the Philippines

• Christianity, European government influence and Spanish colonial interest was established.

Corazon Aquino's Speech

• Cory Aquino symbolized democracy's restoration after Ferdinand Marcos's ousting in 1986
• She was known for her role in the People Power Revolution
• Aquino was an unlikely but effective figurehead because of her political image.

Corazon Aquino's Rise to Power

• She was the widow of martyred opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
• She lacked experience but had unique political positioning as a widow.

The People Power Revolution

• Marcos' authoritarian rule and Ninoy Aquino's assassination resulted in this historic event.
• Despite electoral fraud, opposition led to the coup.
• Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos, military officials, played crucial roles by plotting.
• The EDSA revolution coup was turned into a peaceful demonstration which led to Marcos’ fall.

Aquino's U.S. Congress Speech

• Aquino reflected on her personal loss and her family's challenges under Marcos.
• She addressed Ninoy's opposition, his sufferings, and his martyrdom and highlighted his actions.
• She recalled Ninoy's imprisonment, hunger strike, and assassination.
• Aquino attributed the EDSA Revolution to Ninoy's martyrdom and her responsibility.

Democratic Philosophy and Governance

• Aquino emphasized her commitment to democracy and the importance of elections.
• Despite rigged elections, Cory ran in 1984 to show democracy's power and prepare future change.
• The 1987 Constitution, was created emphasizing human rights and democratic principles.
• Aquino focused on reconciliation and respecting Filipinos in order to establish democracy.

National Challenges

• Aquino acknowledged the communist insurgency under Marcos.
• Her administration focused on peace-building and reintegrating insurgents, unlike Marcos's military crackdowns.
• The Philippines had a $26 billion debt inherited from Marcos.
• She committed to honoring the debt and criticized its corrupt origin.
• Despite a suffering economy, Aquino continued pushing for reform.

U.S-Philippine Relations

• Aquino’s speech was a continuation of the U.S. alliance.
• She accepted an invitation to speak before Congress.
• She stressed the need for American support.

Democracy’s Future

• Aquino passionately reminded the U.S. Congress of Filipino's commitment to democracy.
• Emphasis was placed on the need for democracy.
• Aquino requested the U.S. for help to preserve and strengthen democracy.

Aquino's Conclusion

• Aquino ended her speech thanking the U.S. for providing her family refuge.
• It emphasized the need to build a new home for democracy while both nations work together in the Philippines.

Analysis of Aquino’s Speech:

• It legitimized the EDSA government.
• It contrasted her democratic government as opposed to Marcos' authoritarian leadership.
• It emphasized restoring rights and freedoms.
• Aquino's administration advocated for peace-building.

Aquino's Challenges

• Aquino's limitations included her continuation of the debt-driven economy and the U.S. alliance.

Historical Interpretation

• History is not just about the past, but the past's impact on the present.
• History interpretations are based on the fragmentary evidence available.
• Historians make sense of primary sources.
• For example, the Code of Kalantiaw was proven to be a hoax legal code from 1968.

Interpretation Challenges

• Misinterpretation can occur without background knowledge.
• Interpretations change over time.
• As an example, the author of "Sa Aking Mga Kabata" has been questioned because of language inconsistencies.

Multiperspectivity in History

• Historical events can be viewed from multiple angles that are truthful and partial.
• Choices made, such as the source selection, can show bias.
• Examining official documents and personal accounts reveals different past truths.
• Multiperspectivity encourages understanding by acknowledging contradictions.

Site of First Catholic Mass

• In Butuan, a monument was built to commemorate the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines.
• Primary sources helped challenge Butuan.

Francisco Albo Account (1521)

• As a pilot, he described Magellan’s journey.
• Albo identified islands, including Mazaua and Zubu, but did not mention the Mass.

Antonio Pigafetta Account (1521)

• Magellan’s journey and Mass was described in greater detail.
• Key points included Mazaua and Zubu.

Revised Interpretation

• Based on Albo and Pigafetta, Mass occurred in Limasawa, not Butuan.

Historical Interpretation

• Subjective historians can interpret primary sources from beliefs.
• Differing interpretations change historical understandings.

Historical Facts

• Primary sources determine these facts.
• Conflicts can occur that require cross-checking information.
• Historians create a complete understanding of the past, coming from multiple angles.
• Perspectives allow different interpretations.

Magellan Expedition

• "Zamal" (now Marianas) islands sighted on March 16, 1521.
• March 17, 1521: Magellan’s crew land on Homonhon, naming it "Islands of Saint Lazarus".
• March 18-25, 1521: The crew receives food supplies and interacts there.
• March 25-28, 1521: The fleet sails to eventually reach Mazaua.
• March 28, 1521: Magellan meets the native king of Mazaua, where Holy Week is observed.
• March 28-30, 1521: Magellan and the native king exchange gifts, and a Mass on Holy Saturday is held.
• April 1-3, 1521: Harvesting is delayed, and departure preparations occur.
• After Magellan’s death, Pigafetta omitted an Agusan River journey that was written about earlier.

Butuan’s River omission.

• A key geographic feature for trade and settlement was located on the Agusan River.
• Miguel A. Bernad noted that the expedition more more focus was put on immediate goals compared to geographic features.

Age of Exploration

• European nations started competing in conquering new lands.
• It was Spain's goal to establish sea routes for the spice trade.
• Magellan had a task to find a westward route to Asia.
• Spain colonized the Philippines in order to secure resources and expand their power.
• Butuan had a role in trade and transport, but was not fully acknowledged by the Spanish.
• It was helpful in inland navigation and communication.
• The river was a strategic trade hub.
• The river facilitated local and regional connections for the indigenous people.

The mass in limasawa in 1521

• The National Historical Commission now acknowledges the mass happened in Limasawa.
• Pifagetta described an island, which Butuan is not.
• The Spanish fleet anchored off an island while proceeding to cebu, as limasawa fits this description.
• Pegafetta mentioned a cross being planted on limasawa, which has hills.

1872 Cavite Mutiny

• A small-scale uprising of soldiers, it led to the martyrdom of GOMBURZA.
• It sparked Filipino nationalism.
• It influenced the 1898 Philippine Revolution.

Causes of the Mutiny

• Privileges were abolished that exempted Filipinos from tribute and forced labor.
• It was Governor General Rafael Izquierdo who revoked the privileges.
• Inspired Filipinos demanded reform.
• Conflict occurred between the Spanish friars and clergy of natives.
• Izquierdo did oppressive policies, like suspending arts and increasing taxes.

Differing Primary Accounts

• Jose Montero y Vidal claimed rebellion was occuring overthrow Spanish rule.
• Governor General Rafael Izquierdo stated the mutiny was planned in hopes of cracking down.
• Trinidad Pardo de Tavera said it was labour dispute exagerated by the Spanish.
• Edmund Plauchut supported Pardo and said friars used the mutiny as an excuse to stop reforms.

Events

• Fireworks were misinterpreted as a signal for revolt during the Loreto festival in Manila.
• SGT La Madrid led a revolt of 200 people.
• It was swiftly suppressed by the Spanish.
• GOMBURZA were arrested and executed on February 17, 1872.
• Filipino were exiled and imprisoned.
• Artillery was dissolved that was native.
• Filipino reforms encountered stronger suppression.

Nationilism

• A symbol was made by GOMBURZA’s execution of Spanish oppression.
• A revolution was influenced and inspired by José Rizal, who dedicated El Filibusterismo.
• Both of these events gave rise to the the Propaganda.
• It was a stepping stone to the 1898 Philippine Revolution.

Rizal's Herosim

• Rizal had revolutionary writings like El Filibusterismo.
• His writings criticizied and helped shape nationalism, and independence.
• A document allegedly written by Rizal hours before his execution is commonly debated.
• It retracted everything he wrote, declared his Catholic faith and was said to be written on December 29, 1896.
• Father Manuel, fr,Garcia later found it in 1935.
• It was published on December 30, 1896, on the La Voz Espanola.
• Another version was on Barcelona's La Juventud on February 14, 1897.
• The original copy was discoverd in 1935.
• A Jesuit priest,Father Balaguer, said that Rizal wrote and signed the document while making spiritual reconcilliation.
• As an agent, Federico Moreno wrote and confirmed that the retraction was written, but did not write about BLaguer.

Connections to the Katipunan

• Rizal founded the La liga, who inspired political reform along with Bonifacio.
• He had a high influence on revolutionaries and was a figure to look up to.
• When a leader visited, Rizal adviced against revolution.

Cry of Rebellion

• It happened in 1896, at Manila where they declared the rebellion against Spanish colonizers.
• Himno was to inspire the renewed struggle after a failed pact, every august 26.
• It supposedly started at Caloocan.
• A big meeting was also attended by Emilio, Aguedo, Tomas, Bricco, and others of name.
• Some meetings had 500 members while others had 1000, as said by 2 primary sources of people who attended.