World History: Colonial Expansion and Unification

Historical Context and Global Events

• Maximillian was executed on June 19, a notable event reflecting political tensions.
• Unification movements succeeded in Italy and Germany during this period.
• England emerged as the world's leading imperialist power, asserting dominance over global trade and territories.
• Queen Victoria famously claimed, "Britannia rules the waves," emphasizing British naval superiority.
• The Opium Wars exemplified conflicts driven by imperial interests and trade disputes.

British Colonial Holdings

• Key colonies included Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Maldives, Aden, Malaysia, Singapore, Egypt, Australia, and New Zealand—reflecting British expansion in Asia and beyond.

Japan’s Opening to the West

• Commodore Matthew C. Perry re-opened Japan on June 8, 1853, ending 214 years of isolation, significantly altering Japanese foreign relations.
• Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) embraced Western influences, driving Japan's modernization and engagement with imperial powers.

The Philippines Under Spanish Rule

• Filipinos faced systemic injustices under colonial rule, marked by instability and corruption in governance.
• Lack of representation in the Spanish Cortes deprived Filipinos of a political voice.
• Human rights violations and unequal application of laws led to widespread discrimination and exploitation.
• Forced labor (Polo y Servicios) further exacerbated economic disparities, while friars controlled vast agricultural lands.

Jose Rizal's Ancestry and Family Background

• Jose Rizal was a product of diverse heritage, influenced by Malayan, Chinese, and Spanish ancestry.
• He was born to the Mercado-Rizal family, notable for their mixed racial lineage and engagement in local affairs.
• Rizal’s great-great-grandfather was Domingo Lameo, a Chinese immigrant who became a Christian merchant.

Rizal's Early Life

• Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, and baptized shortly after.
• His father, Francisco Mercado Rizal, was a respected tenant farmer and educator; his mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda, was cultured and knowledgeable, deeply influencing Rizal's education and writing.

Family Composition

• Jose Rizal was the seventh of eleven siblings, sharing a complex familial relationship marked by diverse cultural influences and educational aspirations.

Early Education and Experiences

• Rizal's education began with strict, traditional methods; he attended a private school in Biñan, which emphasized memorization.
• He faced early adversity, including bullying, but displayed resilience and a desire to excel academically.

Higher Education Achievements

• At Ateneo, Rizal excelled academically, graduating with highest honors in 1876-77 at age 16, indicating exceptional intellect and diligence.
• Pursued a land surveying course; completed training by 1878, and successfully passed the licensing exam in 1881.

Influential Literature

• Rizal’s studies included significant works such as "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "Travels in the Philippines," shaping his worldview and literary aspirations.

Conclusion

• Rizal's formative years were characterized by rich cultural heritage, educational pursuits, and a growing consciousness of national identity that would later fuel his advocacy for Philippine independence.