CAVITE MUTINY

1872 Cavite Mutiny: Spanish Perspective

Examining the account of Jose Montero y Vidal, The Cavite Mutiny was an aim of the
natives to get of the Spanish government in the Philippines, due to the removal of
privileges enjoyed by the laborers of the Cavite arsenal at Fort San Felipe, such as
exemption from the tribute and forced labor (polo y servicio). The democratic and
republican books and pamphlets, the speeches and preaching of the apostles of these
new ideas in Spain and the outburst of the American publicists and the cruel policies
of the insensitive governor whom the reigning government sent to govern the
country.

Argument: The events surrounding the 1872 Cavite Mutiny demonstrate the complex
relationships between colonial rulers, native clergy, and Filipino society as a whole.
While Governor General Rafael Izquierdo's official report stressed the role of national
clergy in encouraging the insurrection, it also highlighted broader sociopolitical
causes such as the impact of democratic and republican beliefs from abroad.
However, Izquierdo's report had a vengeful tone, with the goal of discrediting native
clergy and rationalizing violent reprisals for perceived opposition.

Possible Question and Answer:

Q: Were there other factors besides the influence of the native clergy mentioned
in Izquierdo's report?

A: Yes, Izquierdo's report also cited the spread of democratic and republican ideas
through literature and the press, as well as grievances related to the abolition of
privileges enjoyed by workers in the Cavite arsenal and broader discontent with
Spanish colonial rule.

Q: How did Governor Izquierdo justify the harsh measures taken in response to
the mutiny?

A: Izquierdo justified harsh measures such as the execution of GOMBURZA (three

Filipino priests accused of involvement) and the imprisonment of other Filipino
intellectuals by portraying them as dangerous conspirators who posed a threat to
Spanish authority in the Philippines.

Q: Did the events of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny have a lasting impact on Filipino
nationalism?

A: Yes, despite the tragic outcome, the execution of GOMBURZA and the subsequent
repression by colonial authorities served as catalysts for the growth of Filipino
nationalism, contributing to the eventual struggle for independence from Spanish
colonial rule.

Account of Trinidad Pardo de Tavera

Argument: The Cavite Mutiny of 1872 was not meant as a movement for Philippine
independence, but rather as a protest against material and educational inequities under
Spanish colonialism. However, both colonial officials and friars, who feared losing
their influence in the Philippines as a result of central government reforms, exploited
and inflated the revolt. This exploitation caused the mutiny to be depicted as an
enormous plan to remove Spanish rule, culminating in harsh retaliation against
Filipino academics and nationalists.

Possible Question and Answers:

Q: How did Filipinos initially see the 1872 Cavite Mutiny?

A: Initially, the mutiny was viewed as a simple protest against material and
educational inequities under Spanish control, with Filipinos aiming for progress in
these areas rather than complete independence.

Q: How did colonial authorities and friars use the mutiny to their advantage?

A: The exploitation of the rebellion resulted in a distorted image of Filipino

aspirations for independence, resulting in severe reprisals and greater suppression of
nationalist sentiments. Furthermore, it heightened tensions between Filipinos and
colonial officials, encouraging the rise of nationalist movements in the Philippines.

Account of Edmund Plauchut

Argument: Edmund Plauchut's account of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny is different from
the official record by Governor General Izquierdo. Plauchut points the immediate
cause of the mutiny to Izquierdo's mandatory order, which imposed personal taxes
and forced labor on Filipino workers in the Cavite arsenal. He claims that this edict,
which abolished earlier exemptions for workers, caused widespread resentment and
eventually powered the insurrection.

Possible Question and Answer

Q: What evidence does Plauchut use to back up his argument?

A: Plauchut presents proof of the mutiny's timing and conditions, such as the
imposition of taxes and forced work on Cavite arsenal laborers shortly before the
insurrection began. He claims that the policy change, which had an immediate effect
on the workers' livelihoods, was the initial cause of the mutiny.