THE CAVITE MUTINY 1872

On January 20, 1987, around 200 Filipino military personnel and workers rose in arms and
began a rebellion against the Spanish colonial government. The Cavite Mutiny triggered a chain
of events that led to the emergence of the Philippine nationalist movement.

According to Vidal and Izquierdo’s accounts, the mutiny was planned and was part of a big
conspiracy among educated leaders, mestizos, lawyers, and residents of Manila and Cavite.
Izquierdo claimed that the rebellion was an attempt to overthrow the Spanish government and
proclaim the independence of the Philippines.

Tavera’s account mentioned that the mutiny started simply as a rally, a response to injustice, to
demand adequate resources and urge reforms in the Philippine education system. Tavera
believed that the Spaniards used the mutiny, portraying it as a full-blown conspiracy, to arrest
several Filipino leaders, most notably progressive intellectuals and priests.

5 REASONS THAT FOSTERED FILIPINO NATIONALISM

DRACONIAN POLICIES OF IZQUIERDO

Due to Izquierdo’s draconian policies, Filipino soldiers and laborers expressed their
dissatisfaction by forming a mutiny. The atrocious response from the Spanish authorities
eventually helped foster nationalism among Filipinos.

PROHIBITION OF THE SOCIETY OF ARTS AND TRADES

There was a decree to establish the Society of Arts and Trades for the Filipinos to repress the
growth of liberal teachings. Izquierdo, believing that the school was only a cover-up for the
organization of a political club, suspended its opening on the day of the previously scheduled
inauguration.

THE CAVITE INCIDENT WAS A LABOR ISSUE

The Cavite Mutiny was not a grand conspiracy but a labor issue. Filipinos have been abused
and deprived of their right to freedom. They were not treated fairly despite the overload of labor.
Moreover, their benefits were withdrawn from them.
THE ABOLITION OF PRIVILEGES

The main reason for the uprising was the abolition of some privileges enjoyed by the native
soldiers and workers of the Cavite Arsenal, including non-payment of tributes and exemption
from forced labor. The Filipinos just showed a natural reaction of turning against the Spaniards
for not receiving the proper compensation they deserved for their hard work.

THE MARTYRDOM OF THE THREE PRIESTS

The execution of the three priests had a significant impact on the Filipinos. Gomez, Burgos, and
Zamora were linked to the failed mutiny, leading to their deaths through a guillotine. The
execution was a way for them to instill fear among the Filipinos so they to never dare commit
such an act again. Their deaths led to the awakening of Filipino nationalism.

REFERENCES

Piedad-Pugay, C. A. (2010). The Two Faces of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny. National Historical
Institute. Nd Web, 26.

Schumacher, J. N. (2011). The Cavite Mutiny: Toward a Definitive History. Philippine Studies,
59(1), 55-81.