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CHAPTER I
The Path to Revolution
Part 1
For over 300 years, Spain held jurisdiction and sovereignty over the Philippines and the nearby Pacific islands under the name Spanish East Indies. It was controlled first through the Viceroyalty of New Spain, then directly from Madrid after New Spain, now called Mexico, won its independence in 1821. As the crown jewel of the Spanish colonial power in Asia, they defended the islands against several enemies: Chinese pirates, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.
In the late 18th century, Spain finally opens the city of Manila, the Philippines' capital, to world trade. This pave way to the introduction of new products from across the world, along with cultural exchanges. Because of strategic location, the archipelago quickly became a major trading center.
As foreign goods arrived rapidly in the islands, so are the new ideas from the Age of Enlightenment. As the years go by, many of the colonial subjects made a fortune from the global trade and thus, gave rise to the new middle class. And from here, the first generation of people influenced by the Enlightenment emerged - the ilustrados.