Early inhabitants of what will eventually be called the Philippine Islands came by passing through land bridges about 250,000 years ago during the last ice age when the water levels was still low.
PHILIPPINES HISTORY!
Early inhabitants of what will eventually be called the Philippine Islands came by passing through land bridges about 250,000 years ago during the last ice age when the water levels was still low.
They came from what is now Taiwan and Borneo. The Negrito people arrived about 25,000 years ago, and soon by the Malays. In 1380, Muslim Arabs arrived at the Sulu Archipelago and established settlements that dominated the region for hundreds of years. Beginning the 3rd century, the inhabitants of the islands were in contact and trading with East Asian Sea-farers including the Chinese. In the 1400's the Japanese also established a trading post at Aparri, Northern Luzon and had a considerable influence over the region. While the southern part of Luzon and islands south of it were under the control of the Muslim sultanates of Borneo.
In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed in Samar Island on his voyage to circumvent the globe. He explored the islands and named it Archipelago of San Lazaro. Magellan was killed while putting down a rebellious datu named Lapu Lapu in the island of Mactan. Spain continued to send expeditions to the island for financial gain and on the fourth expedition, Commander Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, named the islands Philippines after Prince Philip (later King Philip II), heir to the Spanish throne. Spain ruled the Philippines for 356 years.
In 1565, King Philip II appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the first Governor-General of the Philippines. Legazpi chose Manila to be it's capital because of it's natural harbor. Spain's legacy was the conversion of the people to Catholicism and the creation of the privileged landed class.
Because of abuses and suppression of the Spaniards, a Propaganda Movement emerged with the aims for equality between Filipinos and Spaniards. Propagandist Dr. Jose Rizal's arrest and execution in 1896 gave fresh momentum to Filipino rebels to fight against Spain.
The secret society of the Katipunan, founded by Andres Bonifacio attacked the Spanish Garrison in San Juan with little success, while Katipuneros in Cavite Province headed by Emilio Aguinaldo defeated the Guardia Civil in Cavite. Aguinaldo's victories lead him to be elected as head of the Katipunan. The factions of Bonifacio & Aguinaldo fought and lead to the trial and execution of Bonifacio on Aguinaldo's orders. Aguinaldo later drafted a constitution and established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato in Bulacan province. In 1897, an impasse between the Spanish government and Aguinaldo arose. After negotiations between the two sides, Aguinaldo accepted an amnesty from the Spaniards and US$ 800,000.00 in exchange for his exile to Hong Kong with his government.
The Spanish-American war which started in Cuba, turned changed the history of the Philippines. On May 1, 1898, the Americans led by U.S. Navy Admiral George Dewey, in participation of Emilio Aguinaldo, attacked the Spanish Navy in Manila Bay. Faced with defeat, the Philippines was ceded to the United States by Spain in1898 after a payment of US$ 20 million to Spain in accordance with the "Treaty of Paris" ending the Spanish-American War. In 1899, On June 12, 1898, Filipinos led by Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence. This declaration was opposed by the U.S. who had plans of taking over the colony. And this led to a guerrilla war against the Americans. In 1901, Aguinaldo was captured and declared allegiance to the United States. In 1901, William Howard Taft was appointed as the first U.S. governor of the Philippines. The U.S. passed the Jones Law in 1916 establishing elected Filipino legislature with a House of representatives & Senate. In 1934, the Tydings-McDuffie Act was passed by the U.S. Congress, established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and promised Philippine independence by 1946. The law also provided for the position of President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. On the May 14, 1935 elections, Manuel L. Quezon won the position of President of the Philippine Commonwealth.
In accordance with the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, The Philippines was given independence on July 4, 1946. The Republic of the Philippines was born.
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Last updated on 09/01/05