Opening of the Suez Canal

                                    Opening of the Suez Canal
    In 1869, when the Suez Canal was opened, the travel time from Europe to the Philippines became faster and the distance shorter. Europe was in a period when liberalism was at its peak. This resulted to the entry of progressive ideas about politics, governance, and society through books and other propaganda materials in the Philippines. The liberal Europeans, who entered the country as traders, and Filipinos who were able to travel and study in Europe, brought these materials. The liberal ideas advocated by these materials allowed some Filipinos to develop the same liberal principles. Slowly, they began to relate their situation in the Philippines with the liberal and progressive ideas they have heard or read about. Eventually, this gave them enough knowledge and courage to question the Spanish rule in the country and ask for reforms.