What was the role of the ilustrados in Filipino nationalism?

The ilustrados played a crucial role in Filipino nationalism by advocating for reforms and independence from Spanish colonial rule.

The ilustrados, or the educated class of Filipinos during the Spanish colonial period, were instrumental in the rise of Filipino nationalism. They were the first to articulate the need for national identity and independence, using their education and exposure to liberal ideas from Europe to challenge the oppressive Spanish rule. They were the ones who initiated the Propaganda Movement, a period of peaceful campaign for reforms, which marked the beginning of the Filipino struggle for freedom.

The ilustrados were mostly composed of the wealthy and educated Filipinos who had the opportunity to study in Europe, where they were exposed to liberal and democratic ideas. They were greatly influenced by the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. They used these ideas to critique the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church, which they saw as the two main pillars of Spanish colonial rule.

The ilustrados used their education and skills to articulate the grievances of the Filipino people. They wrote essays, novels, and articles that exposed the abuses of the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church. They also used their influence to lobby for reforms in the Spanish Cortes, the Spanish parliament. Their writings and activities helped to awaken the political consciousness of the Filipino people and inspired them to fight for their rights and freedom.

One of the most famous ilustrados was Jose Rizal, who is considered the national hero of the Philippines. His novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the abuses of the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church, and inspired the Filipino people to fight for their rights and freedom. His execution by the Spanish colonial government in 1896 sparked the Philippine Revolution, which eventually led to the declaration of Philippine independence in 1898.

IB History Tutor Summary: The ilustrados were educated Filipinos who used their knowledge to push for reforms and independence from Spain. They brought Enlightenment ideas to the Philippines, critiqued the Spanish rule, and inspired others through writings like those of Jose Rizal. Their efforts led to the Philippine Revolution and the country's eventual independence, making them key figures in Filipino nationalism.