An American-Sponsored Hero

An American-Sponsored Hero

Andres BonifacioEmilio AguinaldoApolinario Mabini

Jos Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda

Why?Who?

And now, gentlemen, you must have a national hero.Governor William Howard Taft

Says that Taft with the other American colonial officials and some conservative Filipinos, chose him (Rizal) as a model hero over other contestants Aguinaldo too militant, Bonifacio too radical, Mabini unregenerate.

Acts of the Philippine Commission Act No. 137 Act No. 243 Act No. 345

Rizal never advocated independence nor did he advocate armed resistance to the government. He urged reform from within, by publicity, by public education, and appeal to the public conscience.8

Sedition Law

Factors: He was dead Rizals dramatic martyrdom Relegated other heroes Ilustrado

2 Forms of Sponsorship Encouraging of a Rizal cult Minimizing the importance of other heroes

Role of Heroes

A hero is a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering.

A hero is a man honored after death by public worship, because of exceptional service to mankind.

Was this historical phase of our libertarian struggle due to Rizal? Did the propagandists of the 19th century create the period or they were created by the period?

The End

Thank you forlistening!