Philippine History of Jose Rizal
A Filipino Critique of Spanish Colonialism
The Spanish rule in the Philippines lasted for nearly 300 years during which time held the native population to a caste system where they had different rights than the Spanish colonist. The Spanish colonizers brought with their new government the Roman Catholic Church which was supported heavily by Spain. The conversion of the native people to Catholicism did not meet much resistance, and appealed to most of the population which lacked an organized religion. The result was a colony that did not ask questions until the Ilustrado’s (Philippine elite) traveled and studied in Europe, where they were exposed to liberal and nationalist ideals by learning of the French and American revolutions. The most famous of the Ilustrado’s was Jose Rizal. During the time of Rizal and after his death the Philippines underwent its revolution from Spain. The revolution was triggered by a number of events and people most notably Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. Rizal with his education and wisdom from all around the world sought reform and equality among Spain, and Bonifacio wanted revolution. The extraordinary life of Jose Rizal changed the Philippines forever through his vision of equality for his people; which in turn inspired the Katipunan lead by Bonifacio to finally take it.
Jose Rizal, a hero of the Philippines who was a nationalist that strove for reform for his people during Spanish rule. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Calomba, Laguna to upper middle class parents Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teaodora Alonzo both of which were educated and came from respected families. Rizal had six siblings ahead of him and two that followed. At the young age of five Rizal showed signs of his intelligence by already knowing the alphabet, and skill with artistry. By the age of sixteen Rizal received his Bachelor of Arts with an “excellent” rating. He earned his degree at Ateneo Municipal de Manila. After Ateneo he took classes at
The Spanish rule in the Philippines lasted for nearly 300 years during which time held the native population to a caste system where they had different rights than the Spanish colonist. The Spanish colonizers brought with their new government the Roman Catholic Church which was supported heavily by Spain. The conversion of the native people to Catholicism did not meet much resistance, and appealed to most of the population which lacked an organized religion. The result was a colony that did not ask questions until the Ilustrado’s (Philippine elite) traveled and studied in Europe, where they were exposed to liberal and nationalist ideals by learning of the French and American revolutions. The most famous of the Ilustrado’s was Jose Rizal. During the time of Rizal and after his death the Philippines underwent its revolution from Spain. The revolution was triggered by a number of events and people most notably Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. Rizal with his education and wisdom from all around the world sought reform and equality among Spain, and Bonifacio wanted revolution. The extraordinary life of Jose Rizal changed the Philippines forever through his vision of equality for his people; which in turn inspired the Katipunan lead by Bonifacio to finally take it.
Jose Rizal, a hero of the Philippines who was a nationalist that strove for reform for his people during Spanish rule. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Calomba, Laguna to upper middle class parents Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teaodora Alonzo both of which were educated and came from respected families. Rizal had six siblings ahead of him and two that followed. At the young age of five Rizal showed signs of his intelligence by already knowing the alphabet, and skill with artistry. By the age of sixteen Rizal received his Bachelor of Arts with an “excellent” rating. He earned his degree at Ateneo Municipal de Manila. After Ateneo he took classes at
Bibliography: Guerrero, Milagros, Andres Bonifacio and the 1896 Revolution, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_cultarts/articles.php?artcl_Id=5. Mabini, Apolinario. The Philipine Revolution. Translated by Leon Ma. Guerrero. Co 1969. Rizal, Jose. Noli Me Tangere. Translated by Harold Augenbraum. USA: Penguin Group 2006. Russell, Charles Edward. The hero of the Filipinos; the story of Jose Rizal, poet, patriot and martyr. New York and London : The Century co., 1923.