Established Monopolies

• Opium Monopoly

  ▪ Establishment: Legalized in 1840, restricted to Chinese businessmen.

  ▪ Impact: Became a major source of wealth for Chinese merchants, increasing their influence in the economy.
• Tobacco Monopoly

  ▪ Establishment: Started in 1782, controlled by the Spanish government.

  ▪ Impact: Farmers were forced to grow tobacco exclusively, leading to food shortages and economic hardship. The monopoly caused discontent and contributed to the desire for independence.
• Impact on Rizal

  Rizal was deeply aware of the negative effects of the monopolies, particularly the tobacco monopoly, on Filipino farmers. His exposure to these injustices inspired him to write about the social and economic abuses under Spanish rule, as seen in his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
• Impact on Filipinos

  Monopolies, such as those on opium and tobacco, led to widespread economic hardship and resentment. The forced cultivation of tobacco at the expense of essential crops caused food shortages and economic distress. This exploitation and the resulting discontent were significant factors in the rise of Filipino nationalism and the call for independence.