#TodayinHistory in 1869, the Suez Canal opened, enabling #PH to have faster exchange of info & gain direct economic relations w/ Spain w/c used to be via Mexico. It shortened travel time bet PH & for passengers & cargo transport from approx 2 mo. to 30 days. THREAD. #History

The opening of the Suez Canal brought liberal ideas faster to PH w/c would be the seed of the #PH Revolution of 1896. Prior to this, Spain was embroiled in revolutions & civil wars, beginning w/ the drafting of the historic Spanish Constitution of Cadiz in 1812...

... where all Spaniards (including the inhabitants of #PH) were seen as equals w/ fair representation in the Spanish Cortes (legislature). The consti would soon be rescinded, plunging Spain into civil war. These events divided Spain into liberals vs. absolutists.

The campaign of Spanish liberals for equality tremendously shaped many of the educated Filipinos who were able to study in Europe, brought about by cheaper travel cost & convenience brought about indirectly by the opening of the Suez Canal.

The canal construction was a gargantuan feat of its day--constructed by the Compagnie universelle du canal maritime de Suez for 10 years (1859-1869). The company was founded by the wealthy French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, & opened #onthisday in 1869 under French control.

Jose Rizal when he was about to enter the Suez (26 May 1882):

"Greetings, inhospitable land but famous, alas, at the cost of the blood of your sons! Until now your name has been associated in my mind with terror and horrible carnage. How many conquerors have invaded your land!"

Photos:

- "The Inauguration of the Suez Canal" (1900) by Edouard Riou
- "The Oath of the Cortes of Cadiz (1862) by Jose Maria Casado del Alisal
- Drawing of the Suez (1881)
- Jose Rizal's sketch of the coastline of Aden while aboard the ship D'jennah, c. 1882

For @subselfie. @jmnualla @tonitiemsin