Political Landscape on the 19th Century in Rizal's Context

The 19th century was a period of significant global change, including the rise of nation-states and a decline in Spain's colonial power. This lecture specifically focuses on the political landscape of this era and its impact on the Philippines and Jose Rizal.

Three key political influences shaped the 19th-century Philippines: liberalism, the impact of Bourbon Reforms, and the Cadiz Constitution. These influences brought ideas of reform and challenges to the existing Spanish colonial system.

Liberalism, stemming from the Latin word 'liver' meaning free man, is a worldview centered on freedom and equality. It advocates for government protection of individuals and reform, contrasting with conservatism's resistance to change. The French Revolution (1789-1799) with its battle cry of 'liberty, equality, and fraternity' is a prime example of liberalism's impact, transitioning from absolute monarchy to a more liberal government system. In the Philippines, liberalism manifested as anti-clericalism and the desire to change the oppressive rule of the friars. The opening of the Suez Canal facilitated the influx of liberal ideas from Western thinkers, leading to the first wave of liberalism under Governor-General Carlos María de la Torre. However, this liberal period was short-lived, replaced by a more authoritarian regime under Governor-General Rafael de Izquierdo.

The Bourbon Reforms were a series of policy changes initiated by King Philip V of Spain from 1700-1746 to reform and modify the Spanish Empire. These reforms aimed to curtail contraband commerce, reclaim control over transatlantic trade (like the Galleon Trade), restrict the Church's power, reform state finances due to corruption, and establish tighter administrative and political control within the empire. While intended to be advantageous, the reforms had limited effectiveness in the Philippines due to its distance from Spain, the complexity and ideological incoherence of the policies, and frequent changes in policy forced by European conflicts. Nevertheless, they introduced the idea that colonization could exist without significant intervention from the Catholic Church.

The Cadiz Constitution, promulgated in March 1812, was a liberal constitution drafted by elected representatives. It was the first European constitution to establish national sovereignty from the people, not the king, leading to a constitutional monarchy rather than an absolute one. In the Philippines, this constitution led to the appointment of the first Filipino delegates to Madrid, Pedro Perez and Jose Manuel Coretto. Key principles established by the Cadiz Constitution included universal male suffrage, national sovereignty, constitutional monarchy, freedom of the press, land reform, and free enterprise. A crucial aspect for Filipinos was the exemption of natives from paying tributes and rendering public services based on its equality clause. However, King Fernando VII declared the constitution invalid in May 1814, restoring absolute monarchy. Despite its invalidation, it was a significant period in the political history of the Spanish-speaking world and instilled important ideas in the Philippines.

The political landscape of the 19th century in Rizal's context was shaped by liberalism, the Bourbon Reforms, and the Cadiz Constitution. These influences, despite their varying degrees of success and longevity, introduced crucial concepts of change, reform, and individual rights that would profoundly affect Rizal and the Filipino nationalist movement.