The Birth of Philippine Nationalism

The Birth of Philippine Nationalism

Submitted By:
Vince Clark P. Galeno BS Math 3-A
Sheila Mae S. Geter BS Math 3-A

The coming of liberal ideas from abroad, the Spanish Revolution of 1868, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, and martyrdom of Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora were the factors that gave birth to Philippine nationalism, They ignited in our people the nascent sparks of nationality, the consciousness of being one nation with common blood and race, common custom and traditions, common history and destiny, and common grievances and aspirations.
The Coming of Liberal Ideas- When the Philippines was opened by Spain to world trade, the liberal ideas of Europe and America streamed into the country, borne by ships and men from foreign ports. These liberal ideas contained in books and newspapers, were the ideologies of the America and French Revolutions and the thoughts of Montesquieu, Rousseau, Voltaire, Locke, Jefferson, and other political philosophers. Influenced by these ideas, the Filipinos began to wonder at their deplorable situation; they began to discuss politics, justice and liberty; and in the course of time, they became bold enough to ask for government reforms which were urgently needed to correct conditions causing hardships among the people.
The Spanish Revolution of 1868- The triumph of liberation in Spain resound across the seas to the shores of her overseas colonies. The Filipinos came to enjoy the blessing of the new regime, including religious tolerations, freedom of assembly and meeting, freedom and speech, and freedom of the press. Incidental, colonial officials with democratic ideas were sent to Manila.
The Suez Canal and Filipinos – The opening of the Suez Canal on November 17, 1869 to world shipping stimulated Philippines progress. It shortens, in particular, the sailing distance between Barcelona and Manila. The Philippines was thus brought closer to Spain. Travel and communication were facilitated. More and more Spaniards flocked to the colony and swelled the Spanish population. Not only Spaniards but also world travelers and new influence came to Philippines shores via Suez Canal.
De la Torre, Liberal Spanish Governor- The fall of Queen Isabela II and the rise of liberalism in Spain through a new Spanish governor-general to Manila. Governor de la Torre, true to expectations, was a good chief executive. He showed his democratic philosophy in both his personal conduct and official acts.
The liberty of Serenade of 1869- On the evening of July 12, 1862, the Filipinos serenaded Governor de la Torre at his official residence to manifest their appreciation of, and gratitude for, his liberal policies. The serenade shocked the monarchist Spaniards in Manila, for never before had the Filipinos been permitted to talk openly of liberty and democracy and never had a Spaniard chief executive invited Filipinos to a palace buffet. Governor de la Torre made many Spaniards enemies; on the other hand, he acquired numerous Filipino friends.
Liberty Parade and Red-ribbon reception- one September 21, 1869 the new Spanish Constitution was proclaimed in Manila. To celebrate this historic event, the Filipinos and the Spanish liberals gaily paraded that night in the city. The paraders wore red ties containing the words Viva el Pueblo Soberano (Long live the Sovereign People) and on the end of which was written Viva la Libertad (Long Live Liberty) and on the other end, Viva el General La Torre (Long Live General La Torre).
Liberalism and the Filipino Patriots- The liberal regime of Governor de la Torre encouraged the Filipino patriots to discuss public problems and aspire for reforms. They constituted themselves into a “Committee of reformers”. Both priest and laymen were united, and together they campaigned for the Filipinazation of the parishes and for greater political rights for the people.
Restoration of the Reactionary Regime- The Provisional Republic of Spain which was founded by the Spanish revolution in 1868 came to an end 1870. The monarchy was restored. The new king was Amadeo of Savoy (1871-73), the second son of the Italian king. Because of the change on government in Spain. The political atmosphere in the Philippines likewise changed. The brief era of De la Torre’s democratic regime ended, and the reactionary regime was restored.
Izquierdo Autocratic Governor (1871-73) - on April 4, 1871, General Rafael Izquierdo assumed the governorships. Succeeding De la Torre, He was a typical reactionary. He boasted that he came to the Philippines “with a crucifix” in one hand and a sword in the other.
The Cavite Mutiny of 1872- On the night of January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino soldiers and workers in the Cavite arsenal Mutinied. Their leader was La Madrid, a Filipino sergeant. The mutineers had been led believe that Filipino soldiers in Manila would join them in a concerned uprising, the signal being the firing of rockets from city walls on the night. This mutiny was magnified by the Spaniards into a “revolt” to implicate Filipino priest and patriots. It was in reality only a violent outburst of the Cavite soldiers and workers who resented the government action in abolishing their old-time privileges, notably exemption from forced labor and the tribute.
Victims of the Cavite Mutiny- immediately after the mutiny, scores of Filipino priest and patriots were arrested and thrown into jail. They were tried by a military court behind closed doors on the charge of treason and sedition. On January 27, 1872, Governor Izqueirdo approved the death sentence on 41 of the mutineers.
The Trial of Martyrs- the trial of Father Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, like those of other victims, was a farce. There was no concrete proof of their guilt. They were railroaded to their doom because their Spanish enemies were afraid of them and of the cause which they championed.
The Martyrs’ Execution- At sunrise of February 17, 1872, Father Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora, were escorted under heavy guard to the Luneta. A vast crowd, consisting of Filipinos and foreigners, witnessed the execution. Zaldua, who testified falsely against the martyrs, was executed first. Apparently, the Spanish promise of a pardon and a sum of gold, which he was supposed to receive for testifying against the three priests, was not fulfilled.
Significance of Gom-Bur-Za’s Martyrdom- The execution of the three priests was a great blunder on the part of the Spanish officials in the Philippines. Fortunately, the church was not a party to the injustice committed by the states. The Filipino people deeply resented the execution of the three priests. They knew that, the three were innocent and that they were killed because advocated rights for the Filipinos. Thus they came to regard the execution priest as true martyrs of their fatherland. In their indignation, the people forgot their tribunal difference and regional barriers and joined together as one people to fight for their common cause. The execution of Gom-Bur-Za hastened the growth of Philippine nationalism, which ultimately brought about Spain’s downfall.
Rizal’s Tribute to the Martyrs- The memory of Gom-Bur-Za’s martyrdom is preserved and cherished by the Filipino people. Dr. Jose Rizal dedicated his immortal novel El-Filibusterismo to them.

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