True Version of the Philippine Revolution by Emilio Aguinaldo

The Philippine Revolution, also known as the Philippine War of Independence, was a struggle for freedom from Spanish colonial rule that lasted from 1896 to 1898. It was led by several key figures, including the revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo. His book, “True Version of the Philippine Revolution,” written in 1899, provides a detailed account of the events that took place during the revolution from his perspective.

Emilio Aguinaldo was born on March 22, 1869, in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines. He was a key figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, and later in the Philippine-American War. Aguinaldo was a leader of the Katipunan, a revolutionary society that aimed to end Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

The revolution began in August 1896, when the Katipunan, led by Andres Bonifacio, revolted against Spanish colonial rule. Aguinaldo joined the revolution and quickly rose to become one of its most prominent leaders. In 1897, he declared the Philippines an independent republic and became its first president. However, the Philippine Republic was short-lived, as the United States acquired the Philippines from Spain in 1898.

Aguinaldo’s book, “True Version of the Philippine Revolution,” was written in 1899 while he was in exile in Hong Kong. The book was intended to correct what he saw as misinformation about the revolution that had been published in the American media. In his book, Aguinaldo provides a detailed account of the events that took place during the revolution, from its inception to its conclusion.

Aguinaldo’s book is an important primary source for historians studying the Philippine Revolution. It provides a first-hand account of the events that took place and sheds light on the motivations and strategies of the revolutionaries. Aguinaldo’s account also highlights the role of the United States in the revolution and the subsequent Philippine-American War.

In his book, Aguinaldo describes the challenges faced by the revolutionaries, including the lack of resources and support from other countries. He also describes the strategies employed by the revolutionaries, such as guerrilla warfare and the use of propaganda to win over the hearts and minds of the people. Aguinaldo also highlights the role of women in the revolution, who played an important role in supporting the revolutionaries and providing them with supplies and information.

However, Aguinaldo’s account has been criticized for its bias and inaccuracies. Some historians argue that Aguinaldo portrays himself and his actions in a more positive light than is warranted. Others have pointed out that his account overlooks the contributions of other key figures in the revolution, such as Andres Bonifacio and Gregorio del Pilar.

Despite these criticisms, Aguinaldo’s book remains an important primary source for historians studying the Philippine Revolution. It provides a detailed account of the events that took place during the revolution and sheds light on the motivations and strategies of the revolutionaries. Aguinaldo’s book is also an important reminder of the sacrifices made by the revolutionaries in their fight for freedom and independence.