What was: The Filipino/Philippine Revolution

The Filipino Revolution sparked the end of Spanish dominance on the island chain. Dominance that it held for nearly 300 years at this point. However, the revolution itself is rarely mentioned, and largely over-shadowed by the Spanish American. In this video, we will be looking at the Filipino/Philippine Revolution.

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Spain had administered the Philippines for over 300 years at this point, and the troubles brewing back at home brought trouble to the outlying colony. The once colony rich nation had lost it's vast American provinces in the early 19th century, and never really recovered from the and lose of revenue. Following this, Spain heavily increased development in the Philippines, building large amounts of infrastructure, railroads, regular roads, canals, bridges etc. As well as working towards boosting the economic output of the islands. Which was massively helped by a colonial government that worked towards improving the lives of the citizens, rather then a purely exploitative focus. The Philippines were granted semi-home rule in the early 1870's. Through the Education Decree of December 1863, Queen Isabella II decreed the establishment of a free public school system in the islands, leading to increasing numbers of educated Filipinos. Additionally, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cut travel time to Spain significantly, leading to an increase of native Filipinos that were able to study in Spanish and European universities. Revolutionary sentiments arose in 1872 after three Filipino priests were executed on charges of sedition and supposed aid during the Cavity uprising the same year. This started the propaganda movement, where many native Filipinos were calling for reform if not outright independence from Spain. Written works during this movement by individuals such as Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano López Jaena and José Rizal sounded the trumpets of Filipino nationalism and brought it to the masses. Various societies had been established in the islands already that clamored for reform, and membership soured as the Anti-Spanish pieces were read more and more.

The Katipunan, which would be the society to spark the revolution. Were the strongest organization that removed the ideal of Spanish reform and desired outright independence for the island. The organization reached an overwhelming membership, largely from the arrest and deportation of Jose Rizal in July of 1892. For a few years, the Katipunan continued to grow in size, and they managed to get both financial and arms support from sympathy groups around the world. An attempt to gain aid from the Japanese showed promise, but the organization was discovered shortly after, so arms shipments weren't able to come through.

On August the 19th of 1896, Spanish authorities confirmed that the Katipunan existed, and arrested/imprisoned hundreds of people for treason. With a crack-down looming, the head of the organization Andrés Bonifacio declared a nationwide armed revolution against Spain and called for a attack on the capital Manila on August 29. He also established the Tagalog Republic from within the organization, with himself acting as president and commander in chief of the armed forces. Bonifacio personally led an attack on San Juan del Monte on the 30th, with the intent to capture the town's powder magazine and water station. The defending Spaniards who were outnumbered, fought a delaying battle until reinforcements arrived. Once reinforced, the Spaniards drove Bonifacio's forces back with heavy casualties.