History Of Manila


History of Manila

History of Manila takes one back before the Christian era and the archeologists date it around 500 B.C. The ancient history of Manila can be well understood from the displays at the National Museum and the Ayala Museum. Thus the Filipino culture is old and has been influenced by other cultures in history. Manila got its name from maynilad that means, there is nilad (nilad- a white flowered mangrove plant).
The increase of trade and commerce in the middle ages had led to Muslim settlements in Manila. The History of Manila also reveals that that Manilians had their- own system of govt. and writing.
It was in 1571 that the medieval history of Manila took a turn with the invasion by the Spaniards with the changing scenario in the south Asia. The Spanish invaders led by Miguel Lopez defeated Raja Sulayman. This historical event in Manila was to leave a lasting impact on the culture and life of the people of Manila. With the founding of the now popular tourist attraction Intramuros in 1571 where the Spanish would settle one finds that the population embraced Christianity en masse. The local populace also adopted the ruler's language, dress, way of life or in other words their culture. This unique mix of culture is now reflected in the numerous monuments that dot Manila's landscape.
There was also a brief rule of the British between 1762- 1764 due to the seven years was between the French and British. The Indian soldiers who came with the British, one finds that some of them settles in the Cainta and now reflects in the culture of the Cainta residents.
History of Manila also reveals the revolts and skirmishes that would affect the future of Manila. The Spanish rule came to an end in 1898 as a result of the revolution fostered by the Dr. Jose Rizal and the extremism of Andres Bonifacio. Rizal was executed in the now Rizal Park and the Rizal Shrine in the Fort Santiago are other attractions in the city. On the other hand the Monumento in Kalookan City honors Bonifacio.
But the change of events in the world scenario made America conquer the new nation of Manila and the treaty between the U.S and Spain led to the acquisition of Philippines. The subsequent years under the new masters are also referred as Manila's 40 years in Hollywood. During this period one finds cultural infusion yet again like the introduction of the English language, new infrastructure and others. Now the populace embraced the western way of life and that is reflected in the dress, medium of entertainment and the architecture.
But History of Manila also reminds one of the horrors of the World War II when the Japanese forces brought about havoc on the land of Manila. The country gained independence in 4th July 1946 and one finds the quick recovery as the economy flourished thereby making Philippines the second richest nation in Asia.
But in 1972 the turn of events Ferdinand Marcos imposed the marital law and the next 20 years marks the dark phase in the modern history of Manila. In 1986 there was another revolution without bloodshed that saw the end of dictatorship.

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