Philippines History: Difference between revisions

The Philippine Islands were discovered by Magellen in 1521, and claimed by Spain.  The first successful settlements were made in 1565.  Although the Spanish rulers did not generally mix with the local populace, the Spanish language, religion and customs were imposed on the Filipinos.  The original peoples were largely Malay and Indonesian tribes,  Negritos (the earliest inhabitants, sometimes called Pygmies) and Chinese (mainly merchants).  The influence of Muslim traders and teachers was felt in the Philippines as early as the 11th century.  By the 14th century many Filipinos in the southern areas had been converted to Islam.  They were called Moros by the Spanish.  The Spanish were not able to fully contain the Moros until the latter half of the 19th century.  In the early period the colony was quite isolated from Spain, which led to near autonomy by the colonial leaders.  The population was converted to Roman Catholicism, and a strong centralized government with considerable clerical influence developed.  Filipino groups (Tagalog, Visayan, Bikol, Ilokano, Igorot, Ifugao, Tinggian, Bukidnon, Bagobo) still maintained their identity and languages, but Spanish was introduced throughout the country.  Trade restrictions were eased in the 19th century creating a wave of prosperity.  Chinese immigration increased dramatically during this period as did Spanish emigration from the newly independent countries of Latin America.   

Filipino desire for independence led to numerous uprisings.  The most important of these began in 1896 and continued until the United States defeated Spain in 1898 in the Spanish-American War.  Independence was declared at that time, but the terms of the treaty of Paris (1898) ceded the Islands to the United States.  The War of Resistance (1899-1902) against U.S. rule is now referred to by many Filipinos as the Philippine-American War. Although the insurrection was crushed by the United States, the U.S. declared that its administration was temporary, and had as its goal the development of a free and democratic government.  Public education, sound legal systems, and a bicameral legislature were implemented and civil service was gradually taken over by Filipinos.  The English language was used in official documents during this time period.  In 1935 a ten year transition period was established, and although interrupted by World War II, when the Philippines was taken over by Japan (1942-1944), the United States and the Philippines decided to move forward with plans for independence.  The country suffered great damage and complete organizational breakdown during the war in which over a million Filipinos lost their lives.  On July 4, 1946 the Philippine Islands became the independent Republic of the Philippines.<ref name="profile">The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: Philippines,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1986-1999.</ref>

 

'''1521:''' The Philippines are discovered by Europe.

 

 

'''1571:''' Regular trade was established between the Spaniards and the Chinese.

 

'''1762:''' The later period of Spanish rule. The 1898 Seven Years’ War (1756–63). Cash-crop economy.

 

'''1820:''' Social and economic changes as the Port 72 of Manila opened to foreign commerce.

 

'''1868''': Spanish Revolution. Queen Isabella II deposed.

 

'''1898''': Spanish-American War.

 

'''1898'''<nowiki>: 12 June. Declaration of Philippine independence from Spaniards.</nowiki>  

 

'''1899-1935''': ''First phase of American rule.''

 

'''1934:''' First constitution.  

 

'''1941:''' The Japanese occupied the Philippines.

 

'''1946'''<nowiki>: The Philippines became a republic.</nowiki>