Macario Sakay: Patriot or Bandit? Examining a Philippine Historical Figure Macario Sakay: Patriot or Bandit? Examining a Philippine Historical Figure By R.M.C.Ablir | sinaunangpanahon.com Introduction: Unpacking a Controversial Figure Philippine history is rich with stories of heroism, resistance, and complex figures whose legacies are debated even today. Among these, the name Macario Sakay stands out…
American Colonial Period (1901-1946)
The Birth of Philippine Elections: Philippine Electoral Politics Under American Rule
The arrival of the United States in the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century marked a dramatic shift in the archipelago’s history. Following the Spanish-American War and the subsequent Philippine-American War, the U.S. found itself the unexpected colonial power. Unlike previous foreign rulers, the Americans came with a distinct political ideology rooted in…
The American Assembly vs. Echoes of Barangay Councils: Contrasting Political Models Shaping the Philippines
The history of a nation is often told through the lens of its political evolution. For the Philippines, this story is particularly complex, marked by indigenous structures, colonial impositions, and the gradual forging of a unique national identity. Two distinct political models stand out when examining this journey: the American Assembly, introduced during the period…
Quezon vs. Osmeña: A Rivalry Shaping Philippine Colonial Political Strategy
In the complex tapestry of Philippine history, few relationships are as significant and multifaceted as that between Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña. These two titans of early 20th-century Philippine politics, often called the “Duumvirate,” first rose together as allies, leading the charge for independence from American colonial rule. Yet, their shared goal was eventually…
Political Resistance: How Filipinos Challenged American Rule in the Philippines
When we think about resistance to foreign rule, images of brave fighters in jungles or revolutionaries storming cities often come to mind. This was certainly true during the early years of American occupation in the Philippines, with the Philippine-American War being a fierce armed conflict. However, after the main fighting ended, Filipino leaders and the…
Philippine Tactics Against American Authority: From Revolution to Politics
The history of the Philippines is a story of resilience, resistance, and adaptation. For centuries, Filipinos faced colonial rule, first under Spain and then, starting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, under the United States. The initial response to American presence was fierce armed resistance, marked by the Philippine-American War. However, as the…
Lope K. Santos: Championing Filipino Language and Identity During American Rule
The early 20th century in the Philippines was a time of profound transformation. The end of Spanish rule and the dawn of American occupation ushered in a new era, bringing with it not only political and economic changes but also a significant shift in the cultural landscape. Among the most impactful changes was the introduction…
Ilustrados in American Colonial Philippines: Collaboration, Compromise, and Their Enduring Legacy
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a transformative period in Philippine history. As the Spanish colonial era waned and the American presence began to solidify, a distinct group of Filipinos, known as the Ilustrados (meaning “enlightened ones”), rose to prominence. These were the educated elite, many of whom had studied in Europe, absorbing liberal and…
Healing Hands and Political Control: American Public Health in the Philippines
When the United States took control of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War in 1898, the situation was complex and unstable. The Philippine Revolution against Spain had quickly turned into the Philippine-American War, a brutal conflict as Filipinos fought for their independence against their new colonizers. Establishing control was not just a military challenge; it…
Fernando Amorsolo: Painting the Philippine Landscape and Life Under American Rule
Fernando Amorsolo is a name synonymous with Philippine art. Known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art,” he was the very first person to be recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines. His paintings, filled with light, vibrant colors, and serene scenes of rural life, have become iconic images of the Filipino spirit….