20/06/2019

GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

Sociological Imagination
CHAPTER 2
Historical Background:  The vivid awareness of the
19th Century Global Setting intersection between history
and biography within society.
 Heroes are products of their
own time.

1 2

Sociological Imagination The World During the 19th Century

 The Birth of Liberalism and Nationalism
1. The American Revolution (1775-1789).

HEROES ARE MADE 2. The French Revolution (1789-1799).

 Both revolutions gave birth to the idea that:
NOT BORN. 1. individual loyalty has to be to one’s own
nation not to her colonizers;
2. sovereignty resides in the people, not in
the king.

3 4

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 1
 20/06/2019
GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

The World During the 19th Century

 Emancipation of Slaves
 Ideology of the French Revolution: liberty,
fraternity, and equality
1. In 1861 (Rizal’s Year of Birth), The Russian Tsar
Alexander II proclaimed the freedom of millions
of Russian serfs/slaves.
2. In 1861, the American civil war started and
ended in 1865 even if President Abraham
Lincoln proclaimed the freedom of Negro slaves
in 1862.

5
TSAR ALEXANDER II 6

The World During the 19th Century

 Formation of Independent Nation-States
1. In 1871, Italy has freed almost all of her
states from Austrian invaders and
established a unified Italy with Rome as its
capital through King Victor Emmanuel II.
2. Also in 1871, the German states, led by
Prussia through Otto van Bismarck, had
defeated the French invaders and set up the
German empire.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 7 8

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 2

GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal
King Victor Emmanuel II (1820-1878)
The World During the 19th Century
Industrialization
1. Industrialization gained its momentum in the
2nd half of the 19th century and further
accelerated by the discovery of oil (1859) and
electricity (1887) as sources of power.
2. Faster means of communication and
transportation were invented which facilitated
contacts with other countries for business and
trade.
CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting
20/06/2019
9
Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) 10
The World During the 19th Century
 Industrialization
1. THE BIRTH OF CAPITALISM created new classes:
the capitalists, the owners of the means of
production and the laborers, those who sell
their labor also as capital for production.
2. EXPANSION OF COLONIZATION: competition
between countries became more stiff and
difficult thus, industrialized countries resorted
to greater colonization so that they could get
hold of more raw materials.
11 12
Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 3

GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal
The World During the 19th Century
 Colonial Expansion in Asia led by Great Britain
1. In 1842, Hong Kong was ceded by the Manchuria
dynasty of China to Great Britain during Queen
Victoria‘s reign after the dynasty was defeated
during the first Opium Wars.
2. In 1886, India, Burma, and Malaya were
consolidated to the British empire.
3. France, too, with the help of Filipino troops under
Spanish officers, captured Vietnam and Cambodia
(1887) and Laos (1893).
13
The World During the 19th Century
 Scientific Developments: Significant Consequences
1. Many scientists impressed the importance
of science on the mind of ordinary citizens.
2. People developed optimistic faith in man’s
capacity to achieve progress.
3. Many people began to think and believe
that the only way to truth and objectivity
is the method of science.
15
CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting
20/06/2019
The World During the 19th Century
 Scientific Developments
1. John Dalton formulated the concept of
atomic energy (1808).
2. In medicine, Louis Pasteur, a Frenchman
discovered that germs cause diseases in
man and animals (1870).
3. Charles Darwin published his book
explaining his theory of evolution (1859).
14
The World During the 19th Century
 Political Changes: Socialism and Communism
 Capitalism magnified the ancient labor problem:
the inequality and conflict between the masters
and slaves, feudal lords and serfs, monarchs and
subjects.
 Socialists assert that government should own and
control the means of production for the benefit of
all and not only a few like the capitalists. And they
believe that this can be achieved through gradual
and peaceful political and economic reforms.
16
Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 4
 20/06/2019
GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

The World During the 19th Century

 Political Changes: Socialism and Communism
 But in 1848, Karl Marx reiterated in his work The
Communist Manifesto that only a violent
revolution could improve the life of the workers.
 Private ownership of land and means of production
should be abolished and that the government shall
have central control of all.
 In theory, communism would create a classless
society of abundance and freedom, in which all
people enjoy equal social and economic status.

17
Karl Marx (1818-1883) 18

The World During the 19th Century
 Political Changes: Democratic Movements
1. These began as a political program of the liberal
middle class, but later on included members
from the lower classes. The aim of these
movements is to fight for the welfare of average
individuals (common people).
2. The democratic movements in Europe and
Americas forced government to be more
concerned with the welfare of the masses, most
especially the lower classes.
The World During the 19th Century
 SEATWORK/DISCUSSION
1. Explain two conditions in the world in the 19th
century which influenced the birth of the
Philippines as a nation. Pick two from below:
a. Liberation of serfs/slaves
b. Formation of independent nation-states
c. Industrialization
d. Scientific Developments
e. Rise of Socialism and Communism
f. Rise of Democratic Movements

19 20

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 5

GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal
Spain in the 19th Century
 Political Instability
 Spain was occupied by Napoleon Bonaparte from
1808 to 1814 which led to a massively destructive
"war of independence" driven by an emergent
Spanish nationalism.
 During the war, Spanish resistance leaders
attempted to establish a liberal government and
proclaimed a Spanish constitution in 1812 which
limited the power of the monarchy and established
a Spanish Cortes (one-chamber parliament).
21
Spain in the 19th Century
 The political instability adversely affected the
Philippines creating frequent changes and brief
tenure in its top colonial administration leading
to inefficiency and corruption.
 In 1876, A Canovite System or Rotativism or
turno pacifico (peaceful turnover) was agreed
upon to save Spain from political disunity.
 The Canovite System however was very
successful in maintaining peace in Spain until
the end of the 19th century.
23
CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting
20/06/2019
Spain in the 19th Century
 When monarchy was restored, the liberal reforms
were opposed by the new King Ferdinand VII.
• The Cadiz Constitution of 1812
• Cortes (Spanish Parliament)
 This created two factions that generated long
years of chaos due internal divisions and conflicts.
1. the Liberals who advanced democratic ideas
2. The Conservatives who wanted to preserve the
monarchy.
22
Spain in the 19th Century
 The Weakening of a Colonial Power
 The 19th Century was the twilight for Spain’s
Colonial Power. While rising imperial powers gain
more territories, Spain lost many of its colonies.
 Paraguay (1811), Argentina (1816), Chile (1817),
Colombia and Ecuador (1819), Venezuela (1822),
Peru (1824), Bolivia (1825), Costa Rica, Honduras,
Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Mexico got
independence all in 1821.
24
Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 6

GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal
25
Spain in the 19th Century
 The Abandonment of Mercantilism
 Spain embraced laissez faire capitalism - the
principle that the economy works best if the
government does not interfere with private
industries and businesses and markets are free and
deregulated.
 This forced Spain to end the Galleon trade
monopoly, allow private businesses and industries,
and open the Philippines to the whole world for
trade and commerce.
27
CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting
20/06/2019
Spain in the 19th Century
 The Abandonment of Mercantilism
 In 1834, Spain was also finally convinced to
abandon mercantilism - an economic system
after feudalism aimed at increasing the
wealth and power of a country by strict
governmental regulation of the entire
national economy and establishment of
foreign trade monopolies.
26
Spain in the 19th Century
 SEATWORK/DISCUSSION
1. Explain how a condition in 19th
century Spain which influenced the
birthing of a Filipino nation. Pick one
from below:
a. the political instability
b. the weakening of a colonial power
c. the abandonment of mercantilism
28
Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 7
 20/06/2019
GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

The Philippines in the 19th Century

 The Social System
1. The society is still feudalistic in nature brought
about by the Spanish encomienda system
which has made many Filipinos landless.
2. The Spaniards brought with them their
doctrine of “limpieza de sangre” (purity of
blood) which created social rankings among
many groups and later became the source of
social tensions which victimized the lower
classes: discrimination, arrogance, and injustice.

29
Encomenderos abusing Indios 30

The Philippines in the 19th Century The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Social Stratification Pyramid  The Social Classes
Peninsulares 1. Peninsulares – full-blooded Spaniards born in Spain
occupying the highest positions. Some historians say
Insulares
they came here only to amass wealth and have
Spanish Mestizos power.
Illustrados 2. Insulares – full-blooded Spaniards born in the
Principalias Philippines. They were given lower positions and they
Encomienderos are also discriminated by the peninsulares.
3. Spanish Mestizos – Spanish and native parents. They
Inquilinos
were also discriminated by the full blooded
Chinese Mestizos Spaniards. But for the Indios, they are still considered
Indios as Kastila.

31 32

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 8

GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal
The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Social Classes
4. Illustrados – natives educated under Spanish
Schools.
5. Principalias – they are the town’s ruling classes
and native elites composed of the
gobernadorcillos and cabezas de barangay.
6. Encomienderos –rich landowners
7. Inquilinos - rich merchants and successful
tenants
8. Chinese Mestizos – children of Chinese and Indio
parents who control the economy
33
35
CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting
20/06/2019
The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Social Classes
9. Indios – they are the masses, the
common people, the lower classes
composed of landless peasants and poor
tenants.
They are the grossly abused, mistreated
and called various derogatory names:
barbaros, bastos, sin verguenza, and
ignorante.
34
36
Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 9
 20/06/2019
GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

The Philippines in the 19th Century The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Political System  The Political Hierarchy
1. From Spanish rule to 1821, the Philippines is Governor General -
under the Vice Roy (King) of Mexico but when Central Government
Mexico gained its independence in 1821, the Alcalde Mayor –
Philippines was under the control of Spain’s Alcaldia (Province)
Ministry of Colonies (Ministro de Ultramar)
Gobernadorcillo –
based in Madrid. Town (Pueblo)
2. The Ministry of Colonies administers the
Cabeza de
Philippines through a central government in Barangay -
Manila headed by the governor-general. Barangay

37 38

The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Political System
3. The Governor-General – the chief executive of
the colonial government and ex-officio
president of the Royal Audiencia.
He also legislates laws for the colony.
a. actos acordados – laws enacted by the
governor-general.
b. cumplase power – the power to decide
which law or royal decree should be
implemented or disregarded in the colony.
The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Political System
4. The Alcalde Mayor – the provincial governor who
exercised executive and judicial functions.
The most corrupt position because of the indulto
de commercio – the privilege to engage and
monopolize trade.
5. Gobernadorcillo – the town mayor and principally
responsible for tax collection.
6. Cabeza de Barangay – the barangay captain in-
charge of peace and order and tribute collection.

39 40

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 10
 20/06/2019
GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Political System
7. Royal Audiencia – it was the Supreme Court of
the colony, auditor of the government finances
and the high council where governmental affairs
are referred.
8. The Guardia Civil –organized in 1867 which
composed of Filipino police but led by Spanish
officers to deal with brigands and outlaws.
But in 1880, it was used to arrest everyone
denounced by friars as filibusteros (enemies of
state) and erehes (enemies of the church).
The Philippines in the 19th Century
 Frailocracia
 The friar was the supervising representative of
the Spanish government in all local affairs.
 Friar-curates became so influential and powerful
that Spanish authorities including the governor-
general feared them.
 An invisible government was born called by
Graciano Lopez-Jaena as frailocracia (rule of the
friars).

41 42

The Philippines in the 19th Century The Philippines in the 19th Century
 What made the friars so powerful and influential?  Friar Powers
 From 1849-1898, forty-five governor-generals had 1. local elections supervisor
been assigned to the country and each of them 2. school administrators
sought the counsel of the friars.
3. chairman of the board of taxation, health and
 The governor-generals who were mostly military charity
officers were no longer perceived as
4. account inspector of the gobernadorcillos and
representatives of the stable monarchy but of
cabezas de barangay
partisan politicians in Spain.
5. local civil registrar
 Since friars were found in each town, they
gradually became its ruler. 6. prison inspector

43 44

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 11
 20/06/2019
GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

The Philippines in the 19th Century
 Sources of Government Weaknesses and Abuses
1. The vast powers of the governor-general and
his lack of moral strength to resist corruption
for material advancement.
2. The lower positions were appointed by the
governor-general or sold to the highest bidder.
3. Those who bought their positions have to make
sure that they get more than they have paid so
they were led to collect more taxes from the
people.
45
The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Educational System
 The Friars occupied a dominant position since
the schools are parochial schools.
 Fear of God is emphasized and obedience to
the Friars as servants of God were instilled in
the minds of the people.
 Indios were constantly reminded that they are
inferior.
 Thus, resulted in the lack of self-confidence
among Filipinos and even inferiority
complex.
46

The Philippines in the 19th Century The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Educational System  Most Serious Criticisms Against the
 The Friars decide what to teach to the children Educational System
 Learning is memorizing (banking method) 1. Overemphasis on religion
 They were taught in the vernacular even if 2. Limited and irrelevant curriculum
there was a law requiring that they should be 3. Obsolete classroom facilities
taught in Spanish. 4. Inadequate teaching materials
 Pupils attended classes on the ground floor of 5. Absence of academic freedom
the convent, or in barns of masonry or corner 6. Racial prejudice against Indios in the
of the town’s hall. schools

47 48

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 12
 20/06/2019
GRIZAL: Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal

The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Educational System
The Spanish government actually had
ordered the teaching of the Spanish language
through the Educational Decree of 1863.
This was opposed by the Friars because they
believed that knowledge of the language
would develop social and political awareness
among the natives and they might be
inspired by liberal ideas about freedom and
independence.
49
The Philippines in the 19th Century
 The Educational System
The Friars thwarted whatever noble purposes the
mother country had for improving colonial
education to protect and perpetuate their vested
interests.
 The Moret Decree of 1870, for example, which
was intended to secularize higher education in
the Philippines, was vigorously opposed by the
friars.
Hence, some middle class natives, like Jose Rizal,
continued their studies abroad.
50

The Philippines in the 19th Century

 SEATWORK/DISCUSSION
1. Explain one condition in 19th century
Philippines which sparked the
development of heroes, like Rizal. Pick
one from below:
a. the social system
b. the political system
c. the educational system
51

CHAPTER 2: Historical Background – 19th Century Setting Prepared by K!W! ™ © SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY 13