Muslim Arabs arrived at Sulu Archipelago

Ferdinand Magellan "discovers" the islands and names them: Archipelago Of San Lazaro

Ruy Lopez de Villalobos claims the islands for Spain; names them "Philippines" after Prince Philip, later King Philip II of Spain; the Philippines becomes part of Spanish Empire.

Gomburza were executed by the Spaniards

Jose Rizal founded the civic organization La Liga Filipina

Katipuneros tear their cedulas and shout in contempt of the Spaniards in what is called The Cry og Pugad Lawin

General Emilio Aguinaldo establishes a new republic at Biak-na-bato in Bulacan.

Jose Rizal publishes anti-Spanish novel, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not); and seeers up independence sentiment.

Spanish execute Rizal for instigating insurrection; public outrage spawns rebellion

American warship maine was blown up in Havana harbour, triggers the Spanish-American war, the battle of Manila Bay ensues

Emelio Aguinaldo assembled the Malolos Congress in Bulacan, then declares independence in Kawit, Cavite

Treaty of Paris ends Spanish-American War, cedes Philippines to U.S. after payment to Spain by U.S. of 20million. Emilio Aguinaldo declares independence then leads a guerrilla war against U.S.

U.S. captures Aguinaldo; William Howard Taft arrives as first U.S. governor of Philippines

Insurrection ends; Taft improves economic conditions, settles disputes over church ownership of land, establishes "Pensionado" program, allowing Filipinos to study in U.S.

U.S. congress passes the Jones Law establishing elected Filipino legislature with house and senate.

U.S. congress approves the Tydings-McDuffie Law promising Philippine independence by 1946; transition to independence begins.

Filipino people approve constitution creating the philippine commonwealth with Manuel Quezon y Molina as president.

Japanese invades the Philippines, and defeats Gen. Douglas MacArthur at Bataan and Corregidor; Quezon establishes government in exile in the U.S.

Quezon dies in exile; Vice President Sergio Osmena assumes the presidency; MacArthur returns to the Philippines and lands in Leyte with little resistance.

Gen. MacArthur liberates Manila and President Osmena establishes government.