Philippine History Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Pre-colonial Era: Period before foreign colonization, characterized by indigenous cultures and trade.

• Spanish Colonization: 1565-1898; marked by Catholic conversion, governance, and exploitation.

• American Colonization: 1898-1946; introduced democracy, education, and infrastructure.

• Japanese Occupation: 1942-1945; marked by military rule and resistance movements.

• Post-colonization Era: 1946-present; focuses on independence, nation-building, and democracy.

Important Concepts

Pre-colonial Society

• Barangay System: Small communities led by a Datu.

• Trade with China, India, and Southeast Asia.

Spanish Era

• Galleon Trade: Connected Manila to Acapulco (1565-1815).

• Spanish Laws: Laws of the Indies and the establishment of the Catholic Church.

American Era

• Philippine Commission: Established civil government; introduced public education.

• Jones Law (1916): Promised eventual independence.

Japanese Era

• Bataan Death March: Forced march of Filipino and American soldiers.

• Resistance Movements: Guerrilla warfare against Japanese forces.

Post-colonization

• Martial Law (1972-1981): Declared by President Ferdinand Marcos.

• People Power Revolution (1986): Overthrew Marcos, restored democracy.

Key Formulas

• No specific formulas; focus on historical timelines and events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing the dates of the Spanish-American War (1898) with Philippine Independence (1946).

Memory Tricks

Tip: "SAPE" — Spanish, American, Post-colonial, Era (for historical periods).

Key Diagrams

   Pre-colonial
       |
   Spanish Era
       |
   American Era
       |
   Japanese Occupation
       |
   Post-colonization

Tip: Use the timeline to visualize the transition between eras.