The Republic of Biak-na-Bato: A Brief but Pivotal Moment in Philippine History
Explore the establishment of the Republic of Biak-na-Bato in 1897, its brief existence, and the events leading to the Philippine-American War.
Video Summary
On November 1, 1897, a significant chapter in Philippine history unfolded with the establishment of the Republic of Biak-na-Bato, the first republic in the Philippines. This momentous event took place in the Biak-na-Bato mountains located in San Miguel, Bulacan, where Emilio Aguinaldo, alongside fellow revolutionaries, signed the Constitución Profesional de República de Filipina. Their collective aim was clear: to achieve Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule.
However, the Republic of Biak-na-Bato was short-lived, lasting only a month. The fragile peace that followed was encapsulated in a peace agreement with Spain, known as the Pack of Biak-na-Bato. In this agreement, Aguinaldo reportedly accepted a payment of 800,000 pesos, a decision that would later be viewed with skepticism by many of his followers. The Republic's formation was a direct result of the Tejeros Convention, which had taken place on March 22, 1897, in General Trias, Cavite. During this convention, Aguinaldo's forces faced significant setbacks against the Spanish military, prompting a desperate need for a strategic shift.
The Constitution of the Republic was drafted by Felix Ferrer and Isabelo Artacho, drawing inspiration from Cuba's Constitution de Gemaguayo. The government structure established Aguinaldo as president, supported by a cadre of officials committed to the cause of independence. Yet, the peace agreement required Aguinaldo to cease hostilities and relocate to Hong Kong, a move that left many of his supporters disillusioned. Spain, in turn, agreed to pay a total of 1.7 million pesos, of which Aguinaldo received 400,000 pesos. This left his followers in the Philippines without the promised financial support, which fueled ongoing revolutionary sentiments.
While in Hong Kong, Aguinaldo was not idle; he began strategizing to procure arms from American sources to continue the fight against Spain. His return to Cavite on March 12, 1898, marked a renewed effort to reignite the revolution, this time with the backing of American forces. However, unbeknownst to Aguinaldo, a significant geopolitical shift had occurred: Spain had sold the Philippines to the United States for 20 million dollars. This transaction set the stage for the Philippine-American War, a conflict that would further complicate the quest for true independence.
In summary, the Republic of Biak-na-Bato represents a pivotal moment in the Philippines' struggle for independence. Its brief existence and the subsequent events highlight the complexities of colonial politics and the aspirations of a nation yearning for freedom.
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Keypoints
00:00:00
Establishment of Republic
On November 1, 1897, the first Republic in the Philippines, known as the Republic of Biak-na-Bato, was established. Emilio Aguinaldo and other revolutionaries signed the Constitución Profesional de República de Filipina in the mountains of Biak-na-Bato, San Miguel, Bulacan, aiming to create an independent Filipino Republic and separate the Philippines from Spanish rule.
00:00:27
Short-lived Republic
The Republic of Biak-na-Bato was short-lived, lasting only a month due to a peace agreement with Spain. This agreement, which was perceived as a betrayal, reportedly involved Emilio Aguinaldo selling the Republic for 800,000 pesos, raising questions about the legitimacy of the agreement.
00:00:58
Historical Context
The Republic of Biak-na-Bato is officially recognized as the first Republic established in the Philippines during the Spanish East Indies period. It emerged after the Tejeros Convention held in General Trias, Cavite, on March 22, 1897, which followed a series of defeats for Aguinaldo's forces against the Spaniards.
00:01:34
Strategic Location
The revolutionaries retreated to Calatagan, Batangas, and then moved north to the mountains of San Miguel, Bulacan, choosing this location for its strategic advantage, making it difficult for enemies to track them.
00:02:03
Constitution Similarities
The Constitution of the Republic of Biak-na-Bato, drafted by Felix Ferrer and Isabelo Artacho, bore similarities to Cuba's Constitución de Gemaguayo, reflecting the shared revolutionary spirit against Spanish colonialism during that era.
00:02:27
Government Officials
On November 13, 1897, a supreme council was established with Emilio Aguinaldo as president, Mariano Trias as vice president, and other key officials including Antonio Montenegro as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Emiliano de Dios as Secretary of War, Isabelo Artacho as Secretary of the Interior, and Baldomero Aguinaldo as Secretary of Finance.
00:02:58
End of Republic
The Republic of Biak-na-Bato was dissolved following a peace agreement signed by Spanish Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera, known as the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, which ultimately led to the cessation of its governance.
00:03:17
Spanish Agreement
The agreement between Spain and Aguinaldo involved a total of 1.7 million pesos for the Philippines, with specific conditions: Aguinaldo was to cease fighting and remain in Hong Kong, receiving 400,000 pesos initially, and additional payments contingent on the surrender of arms and the declaration of a general amnesty.
00:04:39
Aguinaldo's Strategy
While Aguinaldo was in Hong Kong, he devised a strategy to oust the Spanish by purchasing arms from Americans. On March 12, 1898, he returned to Cavite and issued orders to resume the Philippine revolution against Spain, believing he had American support.
00:05:20
Philippine-American War
Aguinaldo's assumption of American alliance was misguided, as Spain had already sold the Philippines to the United States for 27 million dollars, which led to the Philippine-American War. This transaction included 20 million dollars for the territory and an additional 7 million dollars for the Catholic Church's interests.
00:06:04
Conclusion
The narrative concludes with a brief overview of Aguinaldo's establishment of the first republic in the Philippines, the Republic of Biak-na-Bato, and hints at further discussions in upcoming videos, thanking viewers for their support.