THE WORLD IN

THE 19TH
CENTURY
Module 2. LIFE AND
WORKS OF RIZAL​
 INTRODUCTION

To fully comprehend the role of Dr. Rizal played in the

shaping of the Filipino nationalism, there is a need for us to
look into the developments in the 19 th century. This is
essential in understanding his ideology and outlook as an
individual.
 3

Important developments during the said century are

as follows:

• Growth and development of nationalism

• Rise and gradual spread of liberalism and
democracy
• Industrial revolution
• The upsurge of western imperialism
• Triumph of science and technology, and
• Optimism and confidence in progress (Capino et
al. 1977)
BY THE LATE 18TH CENTURY, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC
CHANGES IN EUROPE WERE FINALLY BEGINNING TO
AFFECT SPAIN AND, THUS, THE PHILIPPINES. IMPORTANT
AS A STIMULUS TO TRADE WAS THE GRADUAL
ELIMINATION OF THE MONOPOLY ENJOYED BY THE
GALLEON TO ACAPULCO. THE LAST GALLEON ARRIVED IN
MANILA IN 1815, AND BY THE MID-1830S MANILA WAS
OPEN TO FOREIGN MERCHANTS ALMOST WITHOUT
RESTRICTION. THE DEMAND FOR PHILIPPINE SUGAR AND
ABACA (HEMP) GREW QUICKLY, AND THE VOLUME OF
EXPORTS TO EUROPE EXPANDED EVEN FURTHER AFTER
THE COMPLETION OF THE SUEZ CANAL IN 1869
(BRITANNICA 2020).
 DURING THE TIMES OF RIZAL, THE SINISTER
SHADOWS OF SPAIN’S DECADENCE DARKENED
PHILIPPINES SKIES. THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
AGONIZED BENEATH THE YOKE OF SPANISH
MISRULE, FOR THEY WERE UNFORTUNATE
VICTIMS OF THE EVILS OF AN UNJUST,
BIGOTED, AND DETERIORATING COLONIAL
POWER
 Instability of Colonial Administration

The political instability in Spain adversely affected Philippine

affairs because it brought about periodic shifts in colonial policies
and periodic rigodon of colonial officials. The frequent change in
colonial officials hampered the political and economic development
of the Philippines.
 Instability of Colonial Administration

During the early-mid 19th century, from the colonial era

of Spaniards. The
Reign of King Ferdinand VII was a chaotic time in the
Philippines. Frequent
shift of policies owing to struggle between Liberalism and
Despotism.
 Philippine Representation in Spanish Cortes

In 1810 Filipinos gained representation in the Spanish

Cortes

The Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes is

abolished in 1837
 Philippine Representation in Spanish Cortes
The Philippines sent its first delegate to the Spanish Cortes as
early as 1811. A merchant of Old Manila named Ventura de los
Reyes was among the signers of the Cadiz Constitution of 1812.
Philippine representation lasted until the Cortes was abolished
by the resurgence of absolute monarchy

Ventura de los Reyes

 Philippine Representation in Spanish Cortes

Early in the 19th century, efforts were undertaken to

give the Philippines some sort of representation in the
Spanish Cortes, the Spanish parliament. By granting
limited participation to Spanish colonies, including the
Philippines, the 1810 Spanish Constitution (also known
as the Constitution of Cadiz), aimed to resolve colonial
concerns. However, the representation remained
insignificant and was primarily for the Creole elites.
 Philippine Representation in Spanish Cortes

The Philippine colony was governed by Spaniards, by

laws made in Spain, and for the sole good of the mother
country and its representatives in the colony. Filipinos
held only minor offices. They were not given the benefits
of public education and their rights and wishes were
almost completely ignored.
 Philippine Representation in Spanish Cortes

To win the support of her overseas colonies during

Napoleonic invasion, Spain granted the representation in
the Spanish Cortes (Spanish Parliament). Spain’s first
democratic constitution, and was one of the 184 signers
from 1810- 1813.this constitution was extended to the
Philippines.
 Philippine Representation in Spanish Cortes

• Another achievement of Delegate Delos Reyes was the

abolition of the galleon trade. The first period of
Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes was
thus fruitful with beneficent results for the welfare of
the colony.
• However, in the second and third representation from
1829-1837 were less fruitful because the Philippine
delegates were not as energetic and devoted in
parliamentary work as Delos Reyes.
 Human Rights Denied to Filipinos
An individual’s human rights are the attributes of his/her human person.
They include;
1. The right to life, liberty and security of person
2. Freedom of thought, religion and expression
3. Freedom of assembly, equality before the law
4. The right to adequate standard of living and just working conditions
5. Freedom for arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
6. Freedom of movement and residence within the border of each state
7. The right to nationality
8. The right to marry and found a family
9. The right to own property
10. The right to take part in the government
11. The right to form and join trade union for the protection of one’s own
interest
12.The right to just and favorable renumeration
13. The right to rest and leisure
14.The right to education
15.The right to participate in the cultural life of a community
16.The right to seek and be granted asylum
17.The right to social and international order
 Human Rights Denied to Filipinos
Since the adoption of the Spanish constitution of 1812, the people of
Spain enjoyed,
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of the press
• Freedom of the association

During the nineteenth century the Spaniards struggled hard to secure

respect and recognition of their human rights

In the middle of these human rights were freedom of the press,

freedom of speech, right to a fair trial in court, right to form
associations, and right to petition the government for redress
of grievances.
 Human Rights Denied to Filipinos

The Filipinos could not understand why the Spaniards

who faught for the sacred rights of men would deny
them the same rights. Sinibaldo sympathized with the
Filipinos and expressed what they felt

The Spaniards ardently guarded these rights so that no

Spanish monarch dared abolish them.