HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF RIZAL

• Who started the political unrest in Spain during the turbulent reign?

  King Ferdinand VII
• What two political struggles characterized the changes in the Spanish government?

  Despotism and liberalism
• How did the political instability of Spain affect the Philippines?

  It affected Philippine affairs
• What was the impact of changing colonial officials on the Philippines?

  It hampered the political and economic development of the Philippines
• Which territories did Spain lose during its decline in the early 19th century?

  • Paraguay (1811)
  • Argentina (1816)
  • Chile (1817)
  • Colombia and Ecuador (1819)
  • Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua (1821)
  • Venezuela (1822)
  • Peru (1824)
  • Bolivia and Uruguay (1825)
• Which territories were retained by Spain after its decline?

  Cuba, Hispaniola, and Filipinas
• What were the characteristics of colonial officials sent by Spain?

  They were corrupt, incompetent, and cruel
• How did colonial officials in the Philippines conduct themselves?

  With arrogance and superiority
• How did colonial officials become wealthy in the Philippines?

  By illegal means or marrying heiresses of rich Filipino families
• What was rampant during Valeriano Weyler's leadership in Cuba and the Philippines?

  Bribery and brutality
• Who was the first delegate from the overseas colonies to the Cortes?

  Ventura de los Reyes
• What happened to the representation of overseas colonies in the Cortes in 1837?

  It was abolished
• What was the consequence of the lack of Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes?

  Growing abuse of power
• What rights did the Spanish people enjoy under the Spanish Constitution of 1812?

  Freedom of speech, press, association, and human rights (except religion)
• What was the punishment for speaking ill of the government and church in the Philippines?

  Death
• What curtailed the rights enjoyed by Filipinos in 1814?


  The Cadiz Constitution was cut short
• What torture device became common during the time of human rights denial in the Philippines?

  The Garrote
• What was the purpose of the Leyes delas Indias?

  To protect the indigenous populations of the empire
• What was the effect of the Spanish Penal Code in the Philippines?

  It enforced harsher penalties for natives and mestizos
• How did Spanish missionaries treat Filipinos despite their teachings?

  They regarded Filipinos as inferior beings
• What factors influenced the justice system in the Philippines?

  Wealth, social prestige, and color of skin
• How was justice characterized in the Philippines during Spanish rule?

  Partial, slow, and expensive
• What was the common perception of Filipinos under Spanish rule?

  They were considered inferior and undeserving of rights
• What racial prejudice was prevalent in the Philippines during Spanish rule?

  Filipinos were called "indios" and discriminated against
• What was the concept that led to Filipinos becoming second-class citizens?

  The belief that physical attributes correspond to privileges
• What was the frailocracy in the Philippines?

  • Political union of Church and State
  • Friars controlled religious and educational life
  • They dictated the Spanish government through a façade of civil government
  • They had immense political influence
• What was the role of friars in the colonial government?

  They acted as arbiters of morals and supervisors of local officials
• What was the compulsory labor imposed by the Spanish called?

  Polo y servicio
• What was the exemption fee that wealthy Filipinos could pay to escape compulsory labor?

  Falla
• What was the age range of Filipinos required to work under the Polo system?

  16 to 60 years old
• How many days were Filipinos originally required to work under the Polo system?

  40 days a year
• What happened to the Polo requirement over time?

  It was later reduced to 15 days
• What was the impact of haciendas owned by friars on Filipino landowners?

  Original owners became tenants
• What was the purpose of the Guardia Civil in the Philippines?

  To maintain peace and order
• How were the officers of the Guardia Civil characterized?

  Ill-trained and undisciplined
• What was a common consequence of the actions of the Guardia Civil?

  Brutalities and harassment of Filipinos