The Filipinos rebelled primarily against Spanish colonial rule, triggered by a combination of factors including social, political, and economic grievances. Key motivators included:
-
Colonial Exploitation: The Spanish imposed heavy taxes and forced labor (known as "tempered labor") on Filipinos, leading to widespread resentment.
-
Abuses by Colonial Authorities: Many Filipinos suffered from the abuses of Spanish officials and religious authorities, including corruption and discrimination.
-
Desire for Nationalism: A growing sense of national identity and the desire for independence from foreign rule became prominent, particularly among the educated elite, who were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and other independence movements globally.
-
Catalyst Events: Specific incidents, such as the execution of reformist priest José Rizal and the Gomburza (a trio of martyred Filipino priests), ignited outrage and further fueled the desire for rebellion.
The most significant rebellion was the Philippine Revolution, which began in 1896. It saw various revolutionary groups, most notably the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio, rise against Spanish rule.
Outcome of the Rebellion:
-
Spanish-American War: The revolution led to a broader conflict known as the Spanish-American War in 1898. The United States supported Filipino rebels against Spanish forces, promising to help them achieve independence.
-
Treaty of Paris (1898): Following Spain's defeat, the Treaty of Paris was signed, wherein Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. The Filipino revolutionaries felt betrayed as their aspirations for independence were disregarded.
-
Philippine-American War: The desire for independence continued, leading to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) as Filipinos fought against American colonization. This war resulted in significant loss of life and property.
-
American Colonization: Ultimately, the Philippines was governed by the United States for several decades until it was granted commonwealth status in 1935, and finally full independence on July 4, 1946, following World War II.
In summary, while the initial rebellion against Spanish rule was largely unsuccessful in achieving immediate independence, it laid the groundwork for future movements that ultimately led to the establishment of Philippine sovereignty.