Philippine Colonial Era
The Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards, Americans, and
Japanese. Before colonization, Filipinos are ruled within the
barangays by the Datu — the head of the community
Philippine Colonial Era
When colonization happened, different
customs were carried out by different
colonizers.
Spanish Occupation
The Spaniards introduced Catholicism to the Filipinos and built churches
in every town. The Catholic church at that was also acting as the
government, led by the Governor General
Spanish Occupation
They also built the walled city called Intramuros, this is where the
Spaniards lived. This was also the time when the country’s agriculture
improved, the country’s top 3 crops were tobacco, sugar, and abaca.
American Occupation
An old school building in Manila established by Americans
The Americans ruled over the Philippines for 48 years. The great
contribution of America to the Filipinos is the introduction of public
education. They immediately built a school on Corregidor Island when
they came in 1898.
American Occupation
Modern public school in the Philippines
They introduced the Philippine public education system which consists of
seven years at the elementary level, 4 years at the high school level, and
college level.
American Occupation
The Americans also built public infrastructures such as
roads, health centers, and water systems.
Japanese Occupation
The Japanese took control of the country from the Americans during World
War 2. They established a government led by Former President Jose P.
Laurel. Filipinos are much encouraged to speak Tagalog rather than
English.
Japanese Occupation
A Japanese currency was also introduced called by Filipinos “Mickey
Mouse” money. They were able to take a hold of the Philippines for 3
years but eventually surrendered to the Americans in 1945.