RPH REVIEWER PDF - Introduction to History

Chapter 1: Introduction to History: Definition, Issues, Sources, and Methodology Midterm Reviewer for Chapter 1: Introduction to History Definition and Subject Matter of History - History: Study of the past through investigation. - Derived from Greek word "historia" meaning "knowledge acq...

Chapter 1: Introduction to History: Definition, Issues, Sources, and Methodology Midterm Reviewer for Chapter 1: Introduction to History Definition and Subject Matter of History - History: Study of the past through investigation. - Derived from Greek word "historia" meaning "knowledge acquired through inquiry." - Classical Latin defined historia as the account of a person or group’s past using written documents and historical evidence. - Traditional history focused on the lives of monarchs, heroes, and wars, guided by the motto "no document, no history." - History isn't just based on written documents but also on oral traditions, artifacts, and memory. Questions and Issues in History Core questions: What is history? Why study history? Who is history for? - Historiography: The history of history itself; explains how historical narratives are shaped by context. - Positivism: 18th-19th century belief that written documents are essential for claiming historical truth. - Post-colonialism: In the 20th century, this idea criticized colonial histories, emphasizing the need for nations to create their own identity outside of colonial influence. Challenges in Historical Narratives - Bias in history: History has often been written by the victors (e.g., WWII narratives). - More nuanced histories emerge when deeper investigations are made (e.g., Japanese occupation and Filipino collaborators during WWII). Role of the Historian - Historians cannot provide an exact account of the past but interpret available sources.  - A historian's work is influenced by their context, ideology, and education. - Historical methodology includes rules and techniques to ensure the correct interpretation of historical sources. - A historian’s bias is inevitable but can still produce valid work if the evidence and methods are reliable. Historical Sources Primary sources: Directly produced during the time of the event (e.g., letters, government records, artifacts). - Example: 1935 Commonwealth Constitution materials (minutes, drafts, photos). Secondary sources: Produced after the event, using primary sources (e.g., textbooks, historical analyses). - Example: Teodoro Agoncillo’s book on the 1896 Philippine Revolution. Source Criticism - External criticism: Validating the authenticity of a source by examining its physical attributes (e.g., ink, paper, language). - Internal criticism: Verifying the truthfulness and bias of the source by analyzing the author, purpose, and context. - The goal of a historian is to avoid falsified sources and arrive at historical truth. Collaboration with Other Disciplines - Interdisciplinary collaboration: History now works with geography, anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics. - The Annales School in France promoted the inclusion of ordinary people and neglected groups in historical studies. Philippine Historiography - Pre-colonial history was passed down through oral traditions such as epics and songs. - A new philosophy of history called Pantayong Pananaw (For us-From us) by Zeus Salazar encourages Filipinos to write history from a Filipino perspective, using a language accessible to all. Key Points for Review: 1. History’s definition and its deeper importance beyond memorization. 2. The evolution of historical study through positivism and post-colonialism. 3. Historians’ methodologies: Importance of interpreting sources while avoiding biases. 4. Differences between primary and secondary sources. 5. Techniques for external and internal criticism of historical sources. 6. The importance of historiography in shaping the understanding of history. 7. The development of Philippine historiography, especially in the post-colonial era. Chapter 2: Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History 1.Introduction to Historical Criticism External Criticism: Verifies the authenticity of a historical document or source, ensuring it is not fabricated. Internal Criticism: Focuses on the truthfulness and accuracy of the content. This criticism involves understanding the context of the document's creation, the background of its author, and the historical period it represents. 2. Key Primary Sources Covered Antonio Pigafetta's First Voyage Around the World. Importance: An essential source for understanding the pre-colonial Philippines and Magellan's circumnavigation, including the Battle of Mactan. Key Context: Pigafetta's European perspective affects his portrayal of the Filipinos and their culture, often comparing them to European standards of civilization. Analysis: Students must recognize Pigafetta’s biases, shaped by his noble background and the era of European exploration, which regarded non-Christian societies as inferior. 2. Emilio Jacinto's "Kartilya ng Katipunan" Importance: The code of conduct of the Katipunan, written by Emilio Jacinto, outlines the ideals and values of the organization. Key Context: The Kartilya reflects the Katipunan’s stance against Spanish colonial rule, emphasizing equality, honor, and service to the nation.  Analysis: The Kartilya's provisions represent a reaction to the Spanish colonial hierarchy and are influenced by liberal ideals from the French Revolution. It reflects both progressive and traditional views, including gender roles. 3. 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence Importance: Proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from Spain under **Emilio Aguinaldo. Key Context: The document highlights grievances against Spanish colonial abuses, the unjust treatment of Filipinos, and the importance of the Katipunan and Filipino revolutionaries. Analysis: The Declaration contains biases from Aguinaldo’s leadership, favoring his narrative and downplaying the contributions of Bonifacio and the Katipunan. The document also acknowledges the United States’ influence, foreshadowing the **American colonization. 4.Political Cartoons of the American Era (1900-1941) Importance: Provides a visual critique of Philippine society and politics during the American occupation through the lens of humor and symbolism. Key Context: The transition from Spanish to American rule brought new challenges, including patronage politics, social inequality, and modernization. Analysis: The cartoons reveal public opinion on the negative aspects of American colonialism, such as political corruption, poverty, and the control of Filipino consciousness by American culture. 5. Corazon Aquino’s Speech Before the U.S. Congress (1986) Importance: Marked the international recognition of the EDSA People Power Revolution and Aquino's presidency. Key Context: Aquino’s speech celebrated the peaceful revolution and emphasized democracy, freedom, and the need for international support, especially from the United States. Analysis: Despite promoting democratic ideals, Aquino continued some policies from the Marcos regime, such as honoring the foreign debt. Her speech is symbolic of the continuing Philippine dependency on the U.S. 3. Key Themes and Takeaways Bias in Historical Sources: Every document or source is influenced by the author's context, background, and purpose. External and internal criticism help in assessing these biases.  Colonialism and Independence: The primary sources reflect the complex narratives of colonization, revolution, and the struggle for independence in the Philippines. Cultural and Political Transition: The American era introduced new societal norms and politics, which were both embraced and critiqued by Filipinos. Democracy and Leadership: The speech of Corazon Aquino highlights the ideals of restoring democracy after the Marcos dictatorship, while showing the continuity of foreign influence.