Philippines – from island communities through colonial rule to an independent republic
Long before colonial times, the islands of the Philippines were home to Austronesian communities organised in barangays, small polities led by datus. Trade connected them with China and Southeast Asia, and from the 14th century Islam spread in the south, where sultanates such as Sulu and Maguindanao arose.
In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan's expedition reached the islands and was resisted by Lapulapu at Mactan. From 1565 Spain began its colonisation under Miguel López de Legazpi, and Manila became the centre of Spanish rule and of the galleon trade with Mexico. More than three centuries of colonial rule brought Catholicism, which still shapes the country, as well as repeated revolts. The execution of José Rizal in 1896 fuelled the Philippine Revolution, and in 1898 independence was proclaimed.
Spain, however, ceded the islands to the United States, and the Philippine–American War followed. Under American administration a Commonwealth with growing self-rule was set up in 1935. During the Second World War Japan occupied the country, causing great suffering. On 4 July 1946 the Philippines became independent. Ferdinand Marcos ruled under martial law from 1972 until the peaceful People Power Revolution of 1986 restored democracy.
Today the Philippines is shaped by its many islands and languages, a young population, strong family bonds, a large diaspora and a blend of Asian, Spanish and American influences.
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