Why the Philippine Revolution Failed SUCCESSFULLY (1896-1898) | Philippine History

The Tragedy of the Philippine Revolution

This section provides an overview of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines and the events leading up to the Philippine Revolution.

Spanish Occupation of the Philippines

• The Spanish ruled over the Philippines for 333 years, exploiting its resources and imposing high taxes on its people.

• The Spanish also suppressed local culture, banned native languages, imposed Christianity, and discouraged traditional practices.

• Filipinos resisted Spanish rule through various revolts throughout the years.

The Philippine Revolution

• The last attempt at independence from Spain came during the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898.

• Andres Bonifacio founded the Katipunan in 1892, a secret society that aimed to overthrow Spain and establish a Philippine government.

• The Katipunan made its grand entrance in the Battle of San Juan Del Monte on August 30, 1896, officially beginning the bloody and violent Philippine Revolution.

• Spain sent reinforcements and additional resources to quell the rebellion in their colony. They also unleashed a brutal crackdown on resistance with several prominent members executed in a bid to intimidate and discourage further resistance among people.

Division within Katipunan

• Emilio Aguinaldo was gaining popularity as a charismatic leader who quickly rose through ranks despite being outmatched in terms of manpower and resources.

• There was division within Katipunan rooted in differences in leadership style, political ideology, and personal ambition. The Magdalo faction composed of the wealthy and educated had a more moderate stance towards politics and was open to negotiations with the Spanish Colonial authorities. Meanwhile, the Magdiwang faction consisting of members from lower social classes was determined to continue the armed struggle against the Spanish.

• This division made it more difficult to achieve their goal of Independence.

Conclusion

The Philippine Revolution was a tragic event marked by courage, determination, heroism, chaos, selfishness, and betrayal. Despite facing overwhelming odds and internal divisions within Katipunan, Filipinos were able to gain independence from Spain in 1898.

The Philippine Revolution and the Role of Andres Bonifacio

This section covers the events leading up to the Philippine Revolution, including the role of Andres Bonifacio in founding the Katipunan and his subsequent arrest and execution.

The Election Controversy

• Aguinaldo was chosen to lead the new government, but Bonifacio's impressive military record and popularity made him a contender for leadership.

• Instead, it was suggested that Bonifacio should automatically have possession of Vice President. However, Mariano Trias took this position instead.

• As elections continued, Andres Bonifacio was elected last as Director of Interior but was challenged by Daniel Tirona who argued that he lacked formal education.

• Tirona proposed a prominent lawyer like Jose Del Rosario instead. Bonifacio asked for an apology from Tirona but he refused to apologize.

• In anger, Bonifacio drew his gun and threatened to shoot him. Chaos erupted as fellow revolutionaries tried to restrain him.

Arrest and Execution

• Emilio Aguinaldo ordered Bonifacio's arrest accusing him of burning a village. He saw him as a threat to his leadership and authority.

• Some were killed during his arrest including his brother Saryako. It sent shockwaves through the Katipunan forces.

• After his arrest, Bonifacio was charged with treason and sedition. His fate was left in the hands of a jury made up entirely of Aguinaldo's men.

• When Fascio and Procopio were sentenced to death they were executed in the mountains of Maragondon.

The End of Spanish Rule

This section covers how Spain lost control over its remaining overseas territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, and most importantly, the Philippines.

The Philippine Revolution

• The Philippine Revolution began in 1897 as Katipunan troops struggled to fight the Spaniards.

• Bonifacio's arrest and execution demoralized many Katipunan troops causing them to quit, weakening the Katipunan forces.

• As war broke out between the United States and Spain in 1898, Admiral George Dewey of the United States quickly destroyed the Spanish Fleet and secured control of the islands.

• The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris that same year which resulted in Spain losing all its remaining overseas territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, and most importantly, the Philippines.

New Colonial Power

• The Philippine Revolution officially ended on June 12, 1898, with the proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain.

• However, Filipinos soon realized that they had simply been handed over to a new colonial power: The United States.