Write a short essay on Rizal’s travel to Europe (1888-1891).

Be able to identify the

significance of his travel. Limit your answer to a single page.

Apart from studying, Rizal spent his time learning different cultural activities, with intent of
understanding the different ways of life of the European people. Rizal's visits to Europe provided
him with valuable knowledge and learning opportunities, which he took back to the Philippines.
This newfound understanding, combined with his push for reform, sparked a revolution in the
Philippines against Spain, which finally led to independence. Rizal wrote about the plight of
Filipinos under Spanish rule, encouraging and pushing the people to fight for their liberation.
During his stay in Europe, he was able to engage in several sports such as fencing, horseback
riding, and boxing. He also became conversant in several European languages including
English, German, French and Dutch language. During his time in Europe, Rizal began his writing
career, publishing his first two novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," which
described the injustices and atrocities suffered by the Filipino people at the hands of the Spanish
colonizers. They were key literary works in the Philippine Revolution, which resulted in the
country's eventual independence.

Finally, Rizal's experiences in Europe influenced some of his most influential works,
including his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These works revealed the
colonial government's socioeconomic inequalities and corruption, and they awakened Filipinos'
eyes to the need for change and reform. The trip to Europe by Rizal was an essential
contribution to the Philippine Revolution. He gained vital insights into the workings of European
societies, which he would utilize to improve his own country. He also became a diplomat,
encouraging the Philippine revolution and pressing European authorities for help. Rizal's trips to
Europe influenced his political views and vision of Philippine independence. To summarize,
Rizal's travel to Europe from 1888 to 1891 was extremely crucial and constituted a watershed
moment in his life. He was able to broaden his knowledge of culture and variety while also
developing his artistic abilities. He was able to gain a plethora of information via his studies,
which he was able to apply for the betterment of the Philippines when he returned home. His
literary works and political activity aided the revolution in the Philippines, which eventually led to
independence from Spain.