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Mar 16, 1521
Ferdinand Magellan arrives in Samar Islands (Central Philippines)
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portugese explorer who serves the Spanish crown, lands in the Samar Islands on his voyage around the world. With his arrival to this archipelago, he develops strong friendships with the Rajah's there, including Rajah Kulambo (ruler of Limasawa Island) and Rajah Humabon (local chieftain of Cebu Island). -
Period: Mar 16, 1521 to
Philippines Timeline
Before:
The first Philippine settlers migrated to the Philippines over land bridges over 30,000 years ago. Subsequently, they formed various settlements throughout the island and developed their own cultures. They established a civilisation mostly supported by trade of crops and resources. However, since there was no unity between the communities and there was constant conflict between them, the Spanish were able to easily conquer the Philippines. -
Feb 2, 1542
Philippines Claimed and Named
Leader of the most successful expedition after Magellan (also the fourth), Commander Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, arrives in the archipelago. Upon his arrival, he claims the islands and names it the Philippines in honor of the heir to the Spanish throne, King Charles I, Philip II of Spain. -
May 8, 1565
The Island of Cebu Surrendered
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrives in the Philippines with four ships and 380 men approximately three months ago. Shortly after, on this day, the ruler of the Island of Cebu surrenders the island to him. With Cebu in his control, Legazpi establishes the first Spanish permanent settlement and becomes the first Governor-General in the Philippines. By his orders, all Filipino males between the ages 19 to 60 must pay tribute. -
Jun 24, 1571
Manila Declared Capital
After taking over Manila, Legazpi establishes his government in Manila and proclaims it the capital of the Philippines, mainly because of its natural harbor making it a trading goldmine. -
Jan 1, 1580
Philip I of Portugal
With the death of Portugese King Sebastian, the Spanish King Philip II receives the throne of Portugal. Though this put an end to the Portugese harassment of the Philippines archipelago, however they also institute forced labor on all male natives aged 16 to 60 in addition to the tribute they already pay. -
Galleon Trade
The Galleon Trade between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico begins. However, Manila serves merely as a transshipment port for the Spanish to gain access to and be able to exchange with the goods of Mexico (silver) and China's merchandises. Since Galleon trade's have quick returns, the Spaniards lack interest in developing the Philippines economy during the first 200 years of its occupation. -
British Occupation of the Philippines
Admist the Seven Year War in Europe, the British take control of the Philippines and Darsonne Drake becomes Governor-General. With their occupation, the British open the colony to international trade, changing its economic life entirely. -
Treaty of Paris
To end the Seven Year War in Europe, the Treaty of Paris is signed by England, Spain and France. In addition to this treaty, the British's occupation in the Philippines is also put to an end. -
Economic Prosperity
The changes in the Philippines economy, partially introduced by the British, leads to internal prosperity. In terms of agriculture, crops have been relegated by region, with tabacco as the chief crop of the north, sugar for the Visaya (central Philippines), and abaca for the Bicol region (central eastern Philippines). -
Beginning of the Revolution Against the Spanish
The Cry of Balintawak marked the beginning of Philippine Revolution against Spanish Rule. Members of the Katipunan secret society revolted and showed their defiance to the Spanish government by tearing up their tax certificates. This organization, made up of the lower and middle class, aim to awaken nationalism and free Filipinos from the oppression and despotism of the Spaniards. -
Spanish-American War
The US declares war against Spain. Along with assistance from the Filipino rebel group, Katipunan, they defeat the Spanish and the Philippines are proclaimed independent from Spain. In addition to this, a treaty is signed with Spain in which the US pays Spain $20 million and grants possession of the Philippines. Furthermore, the US is recognized as the protector of the Philippine's independence. -
US Rule Over the Philippines
The US sets up a colonial government in the Philippines in 1901, after defeating the Spanish in the Spanish-American War. William Howard Taft becomes the first American Governor-General. Under US rule, schools are set up in the Philippines, health programs are instituted and the use of English language is encouraged. Soon, The Philippines becomes dependent on the US. -
The Army Appropriation Act is Passed
The Army Appropriation Act, also known as the Spooner Amendment, is passed by the US Senate. Filipinos oppose American military rule because they claim that the military government is too harsh. The A.A.A. ends US military rule over the Philippines. It provides that the US President governs the Philippines by the authority of Congress and not as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, -
The Communist Party of the Philippines is Founded
The Communist Party of the Philippines, formally established under the leadership of Crisanto Evangelista and Jacinto Manahan, is an underground political organization. It aims to overthrow the Philippine government and bring Communism to the archipelago. -
Japanese Occupation of the Philippines in WW2
The Japanese Commander in Chief, General Masaharu Homma, proclaims the end to US occupation of the Philippines. He declares that the Japanese Imperial forces came to the Philippines to emancipate the Filipinos from the oppressive domination of the US and to promote the well being of the people under their military administration. Militarism is yet again the governmental system of the Philippines with the imposition of martial law -
The Philippines Gains Complete Independence
The US formally declares the Independence of the Philippines, officially becoming the Republic of the Philippines. A constitution is signed and approved. Manuel Quezon is elected President, and Sergio Osmena was elected Vice-President of the Philippines -
Filipinos First
The National Economic Council (along with former President Carlos P. Gracia) formally issues the "Filipinos first" policy, calling for preferential treatment for Filipinos. Statements given by the former President about this policy includes "Only when Filipinos are first in their country will the Philippines be finally truly free. Until then, their independence can only be a sham." -
The new Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)
The youth organization of the old Communist Party is found by intellectuals of the Kilusang Makabayan (Nationalist Youth). Furthermore, the New People's Army (military arms of the Communist Party) is formally organized by the founder of the group, Jose Maria Sison. -
Martial Law
President Ferdinand Marcos officially announces the implementation of martial law. He explains that this is intended to create a new society through the removal of anarchy in order to maintain peace and order. Many people were arrested, ranging from politicians to student and peasant organizations. Moreover, 500 thousand guns were confiscated, the Congress was suspended and a curfew is imposed from 24:00 to 4:00.
