History of the Philippines: Key Notes
The Philippines has a rich and diverse history shaped by indigenous cultures,
colonization, revolutions, and modernization. Below is a concise overview of
major historical periods.
1. Pre-Colonial Period (Before 1521)
Early Inhabitants:
o Negritos (first settlers, around 30,000 years ago).
o Austronesian migrations (2000 BCE) brought farming, boat-
building, and metallurgy.
Societies:
o Barangays (small independent villages ruled
by Datus or Rajahs).
o Social Classes:
Maharlika (nobles)
Timawa (freemen)
Alipin (slaves)
Trade & Culture:
o Traded with China, India, and Southeast Asia.
o Writing system: Baybayin (pre-Spanish script).
2. Spanish Colonization (1521–1898)
Magellan’s Arrival (1521):
o Ferdinand Magellan arrived, claimed the islands for Spain, but
was killed by Lapu-Lapu (Mactan).
Colonial Rule:
o Named "Las Islas Filipinas" after King Philip II.
o Encomienda System (forced labor and tribute).
o Christianization: Spread of Catholicism (80% Catholic today).
Resistance & Revolts:
o Diego Silang (Ilocos Revolt, 1762).
o Gomburza Execution (1872): Sparked nationalist feelings.
3. Philippine Revolution & American Era
(1896–1946)
Katipunan & Revolution (1896):
o Led by Andres Bonifacio (founded Katipunan).
o Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence on June 12, 1898.
Spanish-American War (1898):
o Spain ceded the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million.
American Period (1898–1946):
o Introduced public education (English as medium).
o Jones Law (1916): Promised independence.
o Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934): 10-year transition to
independence.
4. World War II & Japanese Occupation (1942–
1945)
Japanese Invasion (1941):
o Fall of Bataan & Death March (1942).
Guerrilla Resistance:
o Hukbalahap (anti-Japanese rebels).
Liberation (1945):
o U.S. forces (Gen. MacArthur) retook the Philippines.
5. Post-War Philippines & Independence
(1946–Present)
Independence (1946):
o Officially became a republic (July 4, later changed to June 12).
Martial Law (1972–1981):
o Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law; dictatorship
until EDSA Revolution (1986).
Modern Era:
o 1987 Constitution: Restored democracy.
o Economic Growth & Challenges: OFW (Overseas Filipino
Workers) remittances, corruption issues.
Key Historical Figures
Name Contribution
Lapu-Lapu Defeated Magellan (1521)
National hero, wrote Noli Me
Jose Rizal
Tangere
Emilio
First Philippine President
Aguinaldo
Corazon First female president, restored
Aquino democracy
Timeline Summary
Pre-1521: Indigenous kingdoms, trade with Asia.
1521–1898: Spanish rule, Christianity, revolts.
1898–1946: American rule, WWII, independence.
1946–Present: Democracy, Marcos era, modern challenges.