Philippine Nationalism

The influx of Liberal Ideas

These liberal ideas, contained in books and newspapers, were ideologies of the American and French Revolutions and the thoughts of Montesquieu, Rousseau, Voltaire, Locke, Jefferson, and other political philosphers.

The Spanish Revolution of 1868. In the year 1868, Spain was swept by a revolution led by Genreal Juan Prim and Francisco Berrano against the autocratic rule of Isabela II (1833 – 68), the beautiful but tactless queen.

The Suez Canal and the Filipinos. The opening of the Suez Canal to world shipping on November 17, 1869 stimulated Philippine progress.

De la Torre, Liberal Spanish Governor (1869 – 71).

He was Genral Carlos Maria de la Torre, an able soldier and true democrat. The Filipino people and the Spanish liberals welcomed him. They rejoiced as he took office on June 23, 1869

The Liberty Serenade of 1869

The serenade was led by prominent residents of Manila, including Jose Cabezas de Herrera (Civil Governor of Manila), Father Jose Burgos, Maximo Paterno, Manuel Genato, Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, Angel Garchitorena, Andres Nieto, and Jacobo Zobel.

Liberty Parade and Red-Ribbon Reception

The pareade was jubilant affair with colored lanterns, banners and music. The paraders wore red ties which Mrs. Sanchiz had made fashionable. These red ties were emblematic of liberty.

Governor De la Torre again entertained the Filipino leaders, who prepared the liberty parade, at a magnificent reception in his palace. The vivacious Mrs. Sanchiz acted as a palace hostess, because the governor’s wife was an invalid. “Mother of the Filipinos” Mrs. Sanchiz

Liberalism and the Filipino Patriots.

The success of the Spanish Revolution of 1868 and the liberal regime of Governor De la Torre encouraged the Filipino patriots to discuss political matters and aspired for reforms.

Achievement of De la Torre

He abolished the strict censorship of the press and fostered the free discussion of political problems. He recognized the freedom of speech and of the press, which were guaranteed by the Spanish Constitution .

De la Torre’s greatest achievement was the peaceful settlement of the agrarian trouble in Cavite.

Restoration of the Reactionary Regime

The Provisional Republic of Spain which was founded by the Spanish revolution in 1869 came to an end of 1870.

Izquirdo, Autocratic Governor (1871 – 73)

On April 4, 1871, General Rafael de Izquierdo assumed the governorship succeeding De la Torre.

Izquierdo’s first official act was the disapproval of the school of arts and trades which was being organized by the Filipinos of Manila.

The Cavite Mutiny of 1872

On the night of January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino solider and workers in the Cavite arsenal mutinied. Their leader was Lamadrid, a Filipino sergeant.

This mutiny was magnified by the Spaniards into a “revolt” to implicate the Filipino priest and patriots.