Topic: Social Class Struggle and Nationalism in the Philippine 1896 Revolution

I. Introduction

In chapter 9 of Fast and Richardson’s book, Roots of Dependency, the authors talked about the

opposing views of the illustrados, led by Rizal and his peers from the propagandist movement, and the so-

called plebian society led by Bonifacio along with his working class peers. The particular chapter also

described how some writers of history distorted the facts of the actual scenario in that period, such as

having the loose depiction of the Katipunan as being composed of peasants and masses. The reality,

according to the book, is that apart from the class division between the liberal nationalistic propagandists

and the more aggressive separatist Katipuneros, the latter group also has a distinct opposing principles on

their own. The conflicts within the revolutionary group were rooted on the difference of social standing

of its leaders in urban and rural communities. As stated in the chapter, working class Filipinos like

Bonifacio were leading the Manila groups while it was common that in the provinces, land owners like

Aguinaldo have risen and sustained their power, eventually overturning the entire command into an elite-

led nationalistic and revolutionary group.

Such struggle and conflict between social classes were also tackled in Pasyon and Revolution,

which is a book by Reynaldo Ileto. In chapter 4 reading alone, entitled The Republic and the Spirit of 1896,

it was very evident that the author was putting big emphasis on how the elite took over the fruits of

revolution started by the masses. The view that the illustrados were in a much higher position and fitness

to lead and solidify the country was depicted by the author, who commented that the acts of the

revolutionary center even contradicted its language of struggle and redemption to the perception of the

lower classes. This has resulted to “anti-revolutionary” movements composed of peasant bands who

chose to ignore directives from the illustrado-led revolutionary government.

 While both classes – the elite illustrados and the common working and peasant class early

Katipuneros – had been one in nationalistic feelings which motivated their actions during the time, the

social class struggle that persisted has heavily burdened the true solidification of the nation towards what

they all dreamed of as a truly free Philippines.

II. Historiography
III. Controversies
IV. Socio Cultural Issues