19TH CENTURY

• Late 18th Century:

  • Dynastic shift in Spain from Habsburgs to Bourbons
  • Bourbon policies and reforms in the Philippines
  • Governor-General José de Basco y Vargas arrives in the Philippines in 1778
• Late 18th Century to Early 19th Century:

  • Global wave of industrialization influences the economic shift in the Philippines
  • Establishment of the Royal Philippine Company in 1785 by Governor-General Basco
• Early 19th Century (By 1810):

  • Mexican War of Independence rattles the Spanish empire
  • Decline and eventual end of the Galleon Trade
• 1834:

  • Manila is opened to world trade
• 19th Century (First Half):

  • Rapid development of the economy through cash crops (tobacco, sugar, cotton, indigo, abaca, and coffee)
• Late 19th Century:

  • Social, political, and cultural developments due to economic changes
  • 1836: Colonial government order requires towns to set up primary schools
  • 1863: Decree mandates free primary education
  • 1849: Governor-General Narciso Claveria issues a decree urging people to adopt surnames
• 19th Century (Continued):

  • Emergence of new social strata with the growing relevance of the mestizo population
  • Spaniards assert dominance based on race as they lose economic power
  • Renegotiation of social stratification continues throughout the century