The Philippines is a country in its adolescence, struggling by fits and starts to emerge from a rich, troubled and multilayered past. From its first settlement through the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century to the subsequent American occupation and beyond, History of the Philippines recasts various Philippine narratives— familiar and unfamiliar—with an eye for the layers of colonial and post-colonial history that have created this diverse and fascinating population.

History of the Philippines is intended for those who are curious about this Southeast Asian archipelago but know very little of its history. The narrative moves from a pre-Hispanic Philippines in the 16th century through the Spanish American War, the nation’s tumultuous relationship with the United States, and General MacArthur’s controlling presence during WWII, up to its independence in 1946 and subsequent years of Islamic insurgency.