The Tobacco Monopoly's Collapse: Philippine Farmers Revolt — Fexingo History

Description

In 1882, the Spanish tobacco monopoly in the Philippines was abolished after decades of exploitation and corruption. This episode explores how the monopoly devastated native farmers in the Ilocos and Cagayan regions, forcing them to grow tobacco at fixed low prices while Spanish officials enriched themselves. We follow the story of the 1865 revolt in La Union, where farmers marched on the capital, and examine how the monopoly's abuses fueled early nationalist sentiment. Lucas and Luna discuss the role of the Guardia Civil in enforcing the monopoly, the impact on indigenous farming systems, and how the collapse of the monopoly paved the way for the rise of a Filipino merchant class. Specific figures like Governor-General Carlos María de la Torre and the 'tobacco king' Don Ciriaco de la Peña are highlighted. The episode connects these events to broader themes of colonial economic exploitation and resistance, offering a fresh look at a forgotten chapter in Philippine history.#TobaccoMonopoly #Philippines #SpanishColonialEra #Ilocos #Cagayan #LaUnion #GuardiaCivil #CarlosMarAdelaTorre #CiriacodelaPeA #PeasantRevolt #ColonialEconomy #FilipinoResistance #1865Revolt #History #FexingoHistory #PhilippineHistory #EconomicHistory #ColonialAbuse #BanaueRiceTerraces #SpanishColonialismBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-the-philippines-empires-colonization-and-identity-fexingo-history--6985184/support.