History of the Philippines

Ancient History of the Philippines

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A large percentage of Filipinos are descended from the Austronesians, a group from modern-day Taiwan that settled in northern Luzon around 2500 BC and spread to the rest of the Philippine Islands. Despite its isolation from mainland Asia, trade flourished with Arab, Chinese, and Indian merchants over the next thousand years until the arrival of the Europeans.

European Control of the Philippines

The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive in the Philippians, with Ferdinand Magellan and his crew arriving in the archipelago in 1521. Political conflicts with Lapu-Lapu resulted in Magellan’s death at the hands of indigenous warriors. Migel Lopez de Legazpi, a conquistador, made his way to Cebu from Mexico in 1565 to establish the first Spanish settlement. In 1571, Manila was proclaimed the capital of the new Spanish Colony. The arrival of Roman Catholic missionaries, who worked diligently to convert most of the inhabitants, made the Spanish occupation more secure. Challenges erupted in the form of indigenous revolts, as local people tried to overthrow the Spanish invasion. Additionally, other nations, such as Britain, China, France, Japan, and Portugal, challenged Spain’s right to rule. The biggest setback for the Spanish was the temporary occupation of Manila by the British forces during the Seven Year’s War. In spite of all the attacks, the Philippines was ruled as a territory of New Spain from 1565 to 1821, when it began to be administered directly by Spain. On September 6, 1834, the Philippines officially opened up for world trade.

Unrest over Government Injustices in the Philippians

The Spanish-American war, which began in Cuba in 1898, spilled into the Philippines when Commodore George Dewey overpowered the Spanish at Manila Bay. During this time of unease, Emilio Aguinaldo declared Filipino independence on June 12, 1898, and was instated as head of state. Aguinaldo’s position was jeopardized when Spain ceded the Philippines to America upon their defeat. The Philippine-American war ensued, continuing the violence of earlier years, until the Americans captured Aguinaldo on March 23, 1901. In 1935, the Philippines became the Commonwealth of the Philippines, with plans to increase their independence over time. Those plans were rudely interrupted by World War II, when Japan invaded and occupied the islands. The Philippines finally achieved total Independence on July 4, 1946.

Modern Philippine History

Although newly independent, things did not settle down, as the government faced political instability from several rebel groups. The country did experience economic growth under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Unable to seek a third term however, he declared martial law and ruled by force, which led to further revolt. A prominent opposition leader, Benigno Aquino Jr., was assassinated on August 21, 1983. An election soon followed, deemed fraudulent by many, and resulted in Aquino’s wife, Corazon Aquino, being declared the winner after a military standoff. Marcos and his family fled the country, while Aquino called for a constitutional convention.