The Reform Movement

The Reform Movement

Concept of Nationhood

The Role of the Middle ClassComposed of Spanish and Chinese mestizos and nativesLooked down by the Spaniards, who belong to peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain) and insulares (Spaniards born in the Philippines)Prior to 1870s, Filipinos were the insulares or creoles

The Role of the Middle ClassThe middle class began the movement for reforms in their attempt to win a place in the sun and to end the abuses and arrogance of colonial officialsThey were looked upon with suspicion by the masses due to the perceived arrogance and insolence of the latter.The middle class sided with the masses.

The Nature of the Reform MovementThis propaganda aims to exposed the evils of Spanish colonialism, particularly the abuses of the friars and the guardia civil, in Madrid, Spain.Colonial officials in the Philippines were reactionaryThere was no clamor for independence at first. Reformists main goal was the assimilation of the Philippines, which was to become a province of Spain, in a peaceful manner

The Great reformists

The Result and Significance of Propaganda Movement

The Failure of the Movement

The Significance of the Movement

Factors leading to the Philippine Revolution

Role of MasonryFilipino propagandists in Spain were affiliated with Masonic lodges in SpainMasonic movement were anti-friarThey were responsible for founding the Masonic lodges in the Philippines and, in turn, helped to recruit members and to fund propaganda work in SpainAt the outbreak of the 1896 Revolution, Masonry was already deeply entrenched in the Philippines

La Liga FilipinaOrganized by Jose Rizal upon his return in the Philippines in July, 1892.Sought to involve the people directly in the reform movementAndres Bonifacio became one of the founders The primary aim wasto unite the whole archipelago into one compact, vigorous, and homogenous body.It was considered dangerous by the Spanish authorities and Rizal was arrested on July 6, 1992.

The SplitLa Liga lay low after Rizal was arrested and deportted

Centuries of oppression, exploitation, and the land questionColonial oppression caused common suffering among the people. Since Bonifacios call for separatism was a simple and direct solution, the peasants quickly rallied to the revolutionary movementGreater awareness of common deprivation and oppression was made possible by economic progress in ManilaIn the rural areas, the economic progress of the 19th century depressed the living standards of the masses.

Immediate causes

The economic depression during the period of 1891-1895Unstable currency and exchange fluctuationsPrices of sugar and hemp fell disastrouslyScarcity and the higher cost of importation raised the prices of rice

The drought and locust infestation in Central Luzon in June and July 1896Despite calamities, friar landowners refused to condone even parts of the rent and in certain cases even demanded an increaseMisery and desperation drove the peasants of Luzon to the cause of revolution

The convergence of grievances between the middle class and the massesIt aggravated the unrest of FilipinosFilipino professionals and university graduates were seldom appointed to government positions. Finding employment was also difficult because of racial discrimination

The Katipunan

The KatipunanBelieving that only a united people could achieve their own freedom, the Katipunan strove to lay the basis for this unity by fostering a stronger love of country and encouraging mutual aid.

Preparation for the revolutionary struggle

Recruitment, Propaganda, and ExpansionTheir newspaper, the Kalayaan, was edited by Emilio Jacinto and also the Kartilla ng Katipunan, primer used to indoctrinate the members of the Katipunan in its idealsTried to enlist the aid of wealthy Filipinos but failed

Recruitment, Propaganda, and ExpansionWomens chapter was also establishedAttempted to seek the aid of the Japanese but also failedKatipuneros stole rifles and pistols from the Spanish maestranza (arsenal)

Discovery of the Katipunan and the Start of the RevolutionThe betrayal of Teodoro Patio in August 1896Arrest and imprisonment of hundreds of Katipuneros and of those being connected to the movementThe Die is Cast the Cry of Pugadlawin (August 23, 1896) or the Cry of Balintawak (August 26, 1896). *Still subject to contention by scholars

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