HIS 100 Project Template
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Southern New Hampshire University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
100-X3536
Subject
History
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
8
Uploaded by DukeArmadilloPerson711
HIS 100 Project Template(1)HIS 100 Project Template
Use this template to address the steps in your Project Guidelines and Rubric. Replace the bracketed text
with your responses. Ensure that you have considered your instructor’s feedback when revising your
work. Proofread the entire document before submitting.
Part 1: Creating a Research Question
1.
Describe how your assumptions, beliefs, and values influenced your choice of topic.
Having personal connections, such as a spouse from the Philippines, has granted me a
deep understanding and genuine interest in the culture, history, and challenges faced by
the Filipino people, which brings a unique perspective to the broader historical narrative.
The Philippine Revolution was fueled by a strong yearning for freedom, driven by
political, social, and economic grievances, as well as the influence of global nationalist
movements. These values resonate with me, appreciating the collective struggle for the
greater good, with an unwavering focus on achieving independence for the well-being of
future generations and the unity of the Filipino people. The unwavering commitment and
self-sacrifice demonstrated by the revolution's participants are greatly valued and
acknowledged, as they provide illumination on the profound historical significance and
personal stories that have shaped this transformative movement.
2.
Discuss the significance of your historical research question in relation to your current event.
The research question exploring the impact of the Biak-na-Bato Constitution on global
anti-colonial movements is significant in the context of the ongoing struggle for
independence and sovereignty in West Papua. The West Papuan independence movement
draws inspiration from successful anti-colonial struggles, including the Philippine
Revolution, which makes the examination of the goals, strategies, and values outlined in
the Biak-na-Bato Constitution relevant and valuable.
The West Papuan independence movement shares similarities with the Philippine
Revolution as both regions were colonized by foreign powers and many lives taken
during the struggle for independence. According to her article, Mariel Verroya states that
the West Papuan struggle for independence has taken the lives of over 500,000
Indigenous West Papuans (Verroya, 2020, p.1).
The movement in West Papua has faced severe repression from the Indonesian
government, including human rights abuses and crackdowns on peaceful protests. This
current event demonstrates the continuing struggle for self-determination and
independence faced by West Papuans. By analyzing the successes and failures of the
Philippine Revolution, valuable lessons can be drawn for contemporary struggles for
independence and sovereignty. The importance of solidarity among the people, effective
leadership, and international support can be crucial factors in achieving independence.
The Philippine Revolution's history of colonialism and anti-colonial struggle can provide
a valuable framework for understanding and analyzing the complexities of the West
Papuan independence movement. Understanding the impact of historical movements like
the Philippine Revolution on contemporary struggles contributes to a broader
understanding of the global landscape of anti-colonial movements. It enables us to draw
insights and apply lessons from the past to support and advocate for the rights of
communities striving for self-determination and sovereignty in the present day.
1
3.
Explain how you used sources to finalize your research question.
In finalizing the research question on the impact of the Biak-na-Bato Constitution on
global anti-colonial movements and the lessons it offers for contemporary struggles for
independence and sovereignty, a variety of academic papers, historical texts, scholarly
articles, and reputable online resources were utilized. This involved extensive reading on
the Philippine Revolution and its significance in the context of anti-colonial movements,
examining primary sources related to the Biak-na-Bato Constitution, and analyzing
secondary sources that provided insights into the goals, strategies, and values outlined in
the constitution. Comparative studies on other anti-colonial movements were also
reviewed to draw connections and identify patterns, while contemporary literature on
independence and sovereignty struggles helped explore lessons from the successes and
failures of the revolution. By drawing from a wide range of sources, the research question
was refined to address the global impact of the Biak-na-Bato Constitution and extract
relevant lessons for contemporary struggles, resulting in a comprehensive exploration of
the chosen topic.
Part 2: Building Context to Address Questions
1.
Describe the context of your historical event that influenced your current event.
The context of the Philippine Revolution, a historical event that occurred in the late 19th
century, greatly influences the ongoing struggle for independence and sovereignty of
West Papua. The Philippine Revolution was a movement against Spanish colonial rule,
driven by a strong desire for freedom and self-determination. The revolution sought to
establish an independent Philippine nation and secure the rights and welfare of its people.
This context is significant in understanding the parallel struggle in West Papua.
Like the Philippines, West Papua also experienced a history of colonization. Initially
colonized by the Dutch in the 19th century, West Papua was later transferred to
Indonesian control. The transfer of power to Indonesia has been a point of contention,
and the West Papuan people have been striving for independence ever since. They assert
their right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign state, free from
Indonesian rule. The Philippine Revolution serves as an important historical reference for
the West Papuan struggle. It demonstrates that the pursuit of independence and
sovereignty is not unique to one region or period but has been a recurring theme
throughout history.
The Philippine Revolution's success in achieving independence from colonial rule can be
seen as an inspiration and a source of hope for the West Papuan independence movement.
Moreover, the experiences and strategies employed during the Philippine Revolution can
provide valuable insights and lessons for the West Papuan struggle. The Filipino
revolutionaries faced numerous challenges, including organizing a united front,
establishing effective leadership, garnering international support, and confronting the
repressive measures of the colonial power. These experiences can inform the West
Papuan independence movement on various aspects of their own struggle, including the
importance of solidarity, effective advocacy, and international solidarity. The context of
the Philippine Revolution, with its fight against colonial rule and quest for independence,
resonates with the ongoing struggle for independence and sovereignty in West Papua. It
provides historical parallels, inspiration, and lessons that can contribute to the
understanding and advancement of the West Papuan cause
(Pilapil, 1965b).
2
4.
Describe a historical figure or group’s participation in your historical event.
One historical figure who played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution is Emilio
Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo was a Filipino revolutionary and politician who became the first
President of the Philippines. He was born on March 22, 1869, in Kawit, Cavite,
Philippines. Aguinaldo's participation in the revolution began when he joined the
Katipunan, a secret society dedicated to achieving Philippine independence from Spanish
colonial rule. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a prominent leader within
the organization. When the Katipunan launched the revolution against Spain on August
23, 1896, Aguinaldo played a key role in several successful military campaigns. In March
1897, Aguinaldo was elected as the President of the revolutionary government. However,
in December of the same year, he was captured by the Spanish forces and exiled to Hong
Kong as part of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, a peace agreement between the revolutionaries
and the Spanish government. The agreement stipulated the end of hostilities and a
payment of 800,000 pesos to the revolutionaries. Aguinaldo's exile did not last long, as
the Spanish-American War erupted in 1898.
The United States, having declared war on Spain, sought assistance from Filipino
revolutionaries in their fight against the Spanish. Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines
and resumed his leadership of the revolutionaries. He established a revolutionary
government and, with the help of American forces, successfully drove out the Spanish
from many parts of the country. On June 12, 1898, Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine
independence and became the President of the newly established Philippine Republic.
However, the United States took control of the Philippines after the Spanish-American
War under the Treaty of Paris, which led to the Philippine-American War. Aguinaldo's
forces fought against American troops, but they were ultimately overpowered. Aguinaldo
was captured by the Americans in 1901, and he pledged allegiance to the United,
effectively ending the armed resistance against American rule. He later transitioned to a
political career, advocating for Philippine independence through peaceful means. Despite
the complexities of his later years and the eventual formation of an independent
Philippines in 1946, Aguinaldo's early leadership and participation in the revolution
remain crucial to the country's history. His contributions as a military strategist and his
role in establishing the first Philippine republic solidify his status as a key figure in the
Philippine Revolution (Wikipedia contributors, 2023).
5.
Explain the historical figure or group’s motivation to participate in your historical event
.
Emilio Aguinaldo's motivation to participate in the Philippine Revolution was deeply
rooted in his fervent desire for Philippine independence, his first-hand experience of
Spanish oppression, and his belief in the rights and capabilities of the Filipino people. As
a member of the Katipunan, he demonstrated strong nationalist sentiments and quickly
rose through the ranks, highlighting his passion and leadership abilities. Aguinaldo's
strategic military prowess played a crucial role in successful campaigns against the
Spanish forces, driven by his determination to liberate the Philippines from foreign
control. His election as President of the revolutionary government further fueled his
motivation to pursue independence and establish a sovereign nation. Despite temporary
setbacks, such as his capture and exile, Aguinaldo remained unwavering in his
commitment to the cause. His proclamation of Philippine independence and
establishment of the Philippine Republic reflected his belief in the Filipino people's right
3
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
to self-determination. While the subsequent Philippine-American War resulted in the loss
of independence, Aguinaldo's participation in the armed resistance and subsequent
advocacy for independence solidify his status as a key historical figure in the fight for
Philippine liberation (Wikipedia contributors, 2023).
Part 3: Examining How Bias Impacts Narrative
1.
Describe a narrative you identified while researching the history of your historical event.
The narrative of the Philippine Revolution is a tale of a nation's struggle for
independence and self-determination against colonial rule. Spanning from 1896 to 1902,
this revolution marked the end of centuries of Spanish colonial dominance and ushered in
a new era for the country. The narrative begins with the Spanish colonization that had
gripped the Philippines since the 16th century. Over time, the Filipino population grew
increasingly discontented, fueled by oppressive policies, religious discrimination, and
economic exploitation. Filipino intellectuals and reformists emerged, advocating for
change within the Spanish colonial system. However, faced with resistance and
repression, a more radical faction led by figures like Andres Bonifacio and Emilio
Aguinaldo emerged, shifting the narrative towards armed resistance and the pursuit of
complete independence. The outbreak of the revolution in 1896 became a crucial turning
point. The Katipunan, a secret revolutionary society founded by Bonifacio, played a vital
role in organizing and mobilizing the masses. The revolution swiftly spread across the
Philippines, with Filipino guerrilla fighters engaging Spanish forces in numerous battles.
The narrative is marked by the resilience, bravery, and sacrifices of the Filipino
revolutionaries. Despite significant challenges, including limited resources and internal
divisions, they persisted in their fight for freedom. Notable events such as the Cry of
Pugad Lawin, where Bonifacio called for armed rebellion, and the establishment of the
revolutionary government under Aguinaldo's leadership, displayed their determination.
However, the narrative takes a significant twist with the outbreak of the Spanish-
American War in 1898. The United States, aiming to expand its influence in the Pacific,
intervened in the conflict and defeated Spanish forces. Spain subsequently ceded the
Philippines to the United States through the Treaty of Paris in December 1898. This shift
in colonial powers adds complexity to the narrative. While the Filipino revolutionaries
initially welcomed the Americans, hoping for support in their quest for independence, the
United States had different intentions, viewing the Philippines as a strategic acquisition.
This sparked a new phase in the revolution as Filipino forces found themselves fighting
against American troops in the Philippine-American War.
The narrative of the Philippine Revolution concludes with the eventual defeat of the
revolutionaries and the establishment of American colonial rule. Although immediate
independence was not achieved, the revolution played a pivotal role in igniting a national
consciousness and laying the groundwork for future struggles for self-determination. The
story embodies the spirit of patriotism, heroism, and the enduring struggle for
sovereignty, serving as a reminder of the indomitable Filipino spirit in the pursuit of
freedom.
6.
Articulate how biased perspectives presented in primary and secondary sources influence what
is known or unknown about history.
Biased perspectives in primary and secondary sources play a significant role in shaping
our understanding of history. They can impact what information is included or excluded,
4
how events are interpreted, and how diverse groups or cultures are represented. These
biases can have far-reaching consequences for our understanding of the past.
One-way biases influence our understanding of history is through the selection and
omission of information. Historians or authors may selectively highlight certain events,
figures, or viewpoints while disregarding others that do not align with their biases. This
selective presentation can lead to an incomplete or distorted understanding of historical
events, as important perspectives or alternative narratives may be neglected.
Interpretation and analysis are also subject to biases. Historians may interpret primary
sources in a way that aligns with their personal or ideological biases, resulting in differing
conclusions or conflicting narratives. For example, a historian with a nationalistic bias
may interpret a historical event in a way that glorifies their own country while
downplaying the contributions or perspectives of other parties involved. These biased
interpretations can shape the overall narrative of history and influence public perception.
Another consequence of biased perspectives is the perpetuation of stereotypes and
misrepresentation. Biases present in primary and secondary sources can marginalize or
erase the experiences and contributions of certain groups or cultures. Historical accounts
that reflect racist, sexist, or ethnocentric biases can distort our understanding of history
and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. This can have a lasting impact on the perception of
marginalized communities and hinder the development of a more inclusive and accurate
historical narrative. Political and ideological influences further shape historical
narratives. Governments, institutions, or individuals with specific interests may
manipulate historical sources to advance their agendas or justify their actions. This can
lead to a biased portrayal of events, obscuring alternative perspectives or marginalized
voices. The political and ideological context in which historical sources are produced and
preserved can significantly impact the information available to researchers and the
narratives that emerge.
Additionally, biases can affect the availability and preservation of sources. Historically
marginalized communities or perspectives may have limited representation in surviving
primary sources, as their voices and experiences were often excluded or ignored. This can
create gaps in our understanding of history, particularly for those whose narratives were
not considered important or were deliberately suppressed. Access to diverse sources and
efforts to recover marginalized voices are crucial for a more comprehensive
understanding of the past. To mitigate the influence of biases, historians and researchers
must critically examine primary and secondary sources. By engaging in rigorous analysis,
cross-referencing multiple sources, and seeking diverse perspectives, historians can work
towards constructing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of history.
Recognizing and addressing biases is essential for fostering an inclusive and accurate
historical narrative that respects the experiences and contributions of all individuals and
cultures.
7.
Identify the perspectives that you think are missing from your historical event’s narrative.
In examining the narrative of the Philippine Revolution, it becomes evident that several
perspectives are often missing or underrepresented, including Indigenous, women's,
regional, socioeconomic, and Filipino-American perspectives. Recognizing and
incorporating these perspectives into the narrative would contribute to a more
comprehensive and accurate understanding of the revolution and its impact. Indigenous
5
perspectives would shed light on the experiences and aspirations of Indigenous
communities, while women's perspectives would highlight their significant roles and
contributions. Regional perspectives would provide a more holistic understanding of the
revolution's impact across the entire country. Exploring socioeconomic factors would
offer deeper insights into the root causes, and incorporating Filipino-American
perspectives would acknowledge the ongoing resistance against American colonial rule.
By including these missing perspectives, a more inclusive historical account of the
Philippine Revolution can be constructed, reflecting the diversity of experiences,
motivations, and contributions of various groups involved and presenting a holistic
understanding of this pivotal period in Philippine history (Constantino, 1975).
Part 4: Connecting the Past With the Present
1.
Explain how researching its historical roots helped improve your understanding of your current
event.
Researching the historical roots of the sovereignty issue in West Papua provides valuable
insights into the complexities of the current events surrounding it, including limited
autonomy, resource exploitation, and cultural suppression under Dutch rule. In the 1960s,
West Papua became a disputed territory between Indonesia and the Netherlands, with the
United Nations brokering the New York Agreement and the Act of Free Choice to
determine its future. However, the Act of Free Choice was marred by allegations of
coercion, leading to widespread claims of illegitimacy and betrayal of Papuan aspirations
for self-determination. Post-integration, the Indigenous Papuan population has faced
human rights abuses, such as violence, restricted freedom of expression, arbitrary arrests,
and discrimination. These issues have fueled a pro-independence movement, met with
resistance from the Indonesian government, resulting in ongoing conflict and tensions.
Understanding the historical context helps us grasp the deep-rooted aspirations and
grievances of the Papuan people, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the need
for a peaceful and inclusive dialogue to address their concerns and seek a sustainable
resolution to the sovereignty question (Kluge, 2020).
8.
Articulate how questioning your assumptions, beliefs, and values may benefit you as an
individual.
When I question my assumptions, beliefs, and values, I open myself up to a range of
benefits. Firstly, it fosters critical thinking by allowing me to evaluate the validity and
soundness of my perspectives. This promotes intellectual growth as I objectively examine
information, consider alternative viewpoints, and make informed judgments. Secondly,
questioning my assumptions, beliefs, and values leads to personal growth and self-
awareness. Reflecting on the basis of my beliefs helps me refine them and align them
with my core values and principles, deepening my understanding of myself. Additionally,
questioning assumptions promotes empathy and understanding towards others.
Recognizing that diverse perspectives arise from unique experiences and backgrounds
enhances my ability to empathize and appreciate diversity. Moreover, it cultivates
intellectual flexibility, enabling me to adapt to current information and consider multiple
perspectives. This flexibility allows for constructive debates and intellectual growth.
Furthermore, questioning assumptions extends beyond the personal realm and encourages
critical evaluation of societal norms and structures. By critically examining social
systems and practices, I can identify areas for improvement and contribute to societal
6
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
development. Finally, questioning assumptions aids conflict resolution. An open-minded
approach to challenging assumptions fosters constructive dialogue and the exploration of
common ground, bridging gaps between different perspectives. In conclusion,
questioning assumptions, beliefs, and values facilitates critical thinking, personal growth,
empathy, intellectual flexibility, critical evaluation of society, and conflict resolution.
Embracing this process broadens my perspectives, deepens my understanding, and
promotes both personal and collective development.
9.
Discuss how being a more historically informed citizen may help you understand contemporary
issues.
Being a historically informed citizen greatly enriches our understanding of contemporary
issues. Historical knowledge contributes to our comprehension in several ways, including
providing contextual understanding of the roots and developments of a topic, identifying
recurring patterns and trends across different periods, offering valuable lessons from the
past that inform decision-making, deepening our understanding of social, political, and
economic systems through the examination of past policies and structures, fostering
awareness of continuity and change in society, and cultivating empathy and perspective
by learning from diverse historical experiences. By drawing on historical knowledge, we
can engage in informed discussions, make better decisions, and actively contribute to
addressing and resolving present-day challenges.
References
Admin. (n.d.). Andres Bonifacio. Philippine Folklife Museum Foundation | San Francisco, Ca.
https://philippinefolklifemuseum.org/collection/andres-bonifacio/
7
Aguinaldo, E., & Government, R. (1897).
Biak na Bato Republic: Pact of biak na bato
. Biak na
Bato Republic | Pact of Biak na Bato. https://www.philippine-history.org/biak-na-
bato.htm#:~:text=It%20was%20signed%20on%20November,and%20the%20right%20to
%20education.
Constantino, R. (1975, January). The Philippines: A past revisited - wordpress.com.
https://siagrey.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/the-philippines-a-past-revisited-renato-
constantino.pdf
Kluge, E. (2020).
How the world failed West Papua in its campaign for independence
. The
Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/how-the-world-failed-west-papua-in-its-
campaign-for-independence-129623
Philippine Revolution. (2023, May 3). In Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Revolution
.
Verroya, M. (2022, March 9).
WEST PAPUA: THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE -
UNAA
. UNAA.
https://www.unaa.org.au/2020/03/07/west-papua-the-struggle-for-
independence/
Pilapil, V. R. (1965). The Cause of the Philippine Revolution.
Pacific Historical Review
,
34
(3),
249–264. https://doi.org/10.2307/3636522
Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Pact of Biak-na-Bato.
Wikipedia
.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pact_of_Biak-na-Bato
8