The Philippine Revolution and Independence from Spain.
The Philippine Revolution and the subsequent independence from Spain represent a pivotal chapter in Filipino history, marking the transition from over three centuries of colonial rule to the emergence of a new nation. This struggle for independence, which culminated in the proclamation of the First Philippine Republic in 1898, was fueled by a unique confluence of factors, including the rise of nationalist sentiments, the harshness of Spanish colonial rule, and the influence of global revolutions and liberal ideas. The revolution was not just a battle for political freedom but also a social and cultural awakening, one that sought to assert the Filipino identity and unite diverse regions and people under a common cause. The roots of the Philippine Revolution can be traced back to the Spanish colonial regime that began in 1565, with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi. For over 300 years, the Philippines was governed as a colony of Spain, with Manila as its political and economic hub.