Katipunan, 1896
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Katipunan, 1896 DIRECTOR MODERATOR Ahmed Moselhi Tomer Zaidman VICE-DIRECTOR Daphne Berberyan UTMUN 2021 Katipunan, 1896 Content Disclaimer At its core, Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulatory exercise of diplomatically embodying, presenting, hearing, dissecting, and negotiating various perspectives in debate. Such an exercise offers opportunities for delegates to meaningfully explore possibilities for conflict resolution on various issues and their complex, even controversial dimensions—which, we recognize, may be emotionally and intellectually challenging to engage with. As UTMUN seeks to provide an enriching educational experience that facilitates understanding of the real-world implications of issues, our committees’ contents may necessarily involve sensitive or controversial subject matter strictly for academic purposes. We ask for delegates to be respectful, professional, tactful, and diplomatic when engaging with all committee content, representing their assigned country’s or character’s position, communicating with staff and other delegates, and responding to opposing viewpoints. The below content warning is meant to warn you of potentially sensitive or triggering topics that are present in the formal content of this background guide, as well as content that may appear in other aspects of committee (e.g., debate, crisis updates, directives), so that you can either prepare yourself before reading this background guide or opt-out of reading it entirely The historical context of this committee is politically and ethnically charged. This committee deals heavily with colonialism and its effects, including issues of race, class division, violence, forceful domination and warfare. As the discussion develops the independence movement will be discussed and the committee may encounter problems of human rights, military conduct, and violence against civilians. The lasting effects of colonization - colonial violence, discrimination based on class, race, and religion, and political turmoil - will also be addressed. If, because of this committee’s content warning, you wish to request switching committees and you registered with UTMUN as a) part of a group delegation, please contact your faculty advisor and/or head delegate with your concerns and request. b) an individual delegate, please email our Director of Academics at [email protected] with a brief explanation of your concerns based on this committee’s content warning and your request to switch. You will be contacted shortly regarding your request. 2 UTMUN 2021 Katipunan, 1896 UTMUN Policies We ask for your cooperation in maintaining order, both inside and outside of committee session, so that we may provide a professional, safe, inclusive, and educational conference. Throughout the conference, please note that delegates shall only: 1. Wear Western Business Attire (i.e., no costumes, no casual wear) 2. Embody their assigned country’s/character’s position, not their mannerisms (e.g., no accents, no props) 3. Opt for diplomatic, respectful, and tactful speech and phrasing of ideas, including notes (e.g., no foul language, suggestive remarks, or obscene body language) 4. Make decisions that contribute to a professional, safe, inclusive, and educational space for debate The rest of our conference policies can be found on our website. By attending all or part of a UTMUN conference, attendees agree to abide by all of our conference policies. Furthermore, delegates’ efforts to contribute to a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and equity at our conference, both inside and outside of committee session, will be considered by the dais and Secretariat when determining conference scholarships and committee awards. In cases of failing to adhere to any of UTMUN’s policies, the Secretariat reserves the right to take any action it deems necessary, including rendering delegates ineligible for awards, taking disciplinary action, and prohibiting delegates from participating further in the conference. Equity Concerns and Accessibility Needs UTMUN 2021’s Secretariat and Staff are committed to ensuring every attendee has an enjoyable, comfortable, and safe experience and is able to participate fully and positively at our conference. If you have any equity concerns (e.g., concerns about barriers to participation) or accessibility needs now or during the conference, please do not hesitate to contact your committees’ dais and/or our Director of Academics at [email protected]. 3 UTMUN 2021 Katipunan, 1896 Contents Content Disclaimer 2 UTMUN Policies 3 Equity Concerns and Accessibility Needs 3 Committee Description 4 Committee Mechanics 5 Doomsday Clock 5 Active Public Approval 5 The Broadcast 5 Historical Background 6 The Seeds of Colonialism 6 Early Modern Colonialism 6 Spain as a Colonizer 7 The Philippines and 300 Years of Spanish Colonization 8 José Rizal - The Spark of the Revolution 9 Topic A: The Katipunan 10 Recruitment 10 Goals 10 Potential Matters to Consider 11 Topic B: The Philippine Revolution 13 Upon Discovery 13 Defeating the Spanish 13 Potential Allies 14 Topic C: Philippine Independence 15 Structure Within the Katipunan and Beyond 15 Moving Forward 15 1 UTMUN 2021 Katipunan, 1896 Advice for Research and Preparation 17 Bibliography 18 2 UTMUN 2021 Katipunan, 1896 Dear Delegates, Hello and welcome to UTMUN 2021’s Katipunan, 1896, committee. My name is Ahmed Moselhi and I will be your committee Director alongside your Vice Director, Daphne Berberyan, and your Moderator, Tomer Zaidman. Colonialism has likely been one of, if not the single most influential foreign policy which has shaped the modern world. While colonial projects took place all over the world run by many distinct groups, it’s effects often leave the same distinct hallmarks on native populations. The topic of this committee, the Katipunan and the Philippine revolution, is one of those instances. It’s a heavy topic, one filled with horrible atrocities and the loss of rich and valuable culture. Because of this, I urge every single one of you to treat it as such. It is not just encouraged, but expected, that every single delegate treats the topic of colonialism with utmost respect and seriousness. We often feel decoupled from things we read about in history books or learn in class, we feel as if those things have passed and are no longer relevant. That is not the case, the effects of colonialism in the past affects the lives of countless people in the modern day whether through direct experience or generational repercussions. Yes, 2020 was an eventful year and it’s difficult to keep track of everything happening in the world when we are so overloaded with information but you don’t have to look far to see colonialism in action in the 21st century. In fact, many of the delegates in this committee have likely been touched by colonialism in their lives one way or another and I urge all of you to be mindful and cognizant of that when going into this committee. I encourage all of you to come into this committee with a goal in mind, something other than just “winning awards.” What do you want to learn? What skill do you want to develop? I strongly believe that in doing so, each and every delegate can come into this committee with a purpose that will motivate them throughout. I want each and every one of you to walk away having gained something, whether knowledge or skill, which they can use later on in life. If any of you feel the need to discuss expectations surrounding the committee, especially those involving sensitive topics, feel free to reach out and let me know, the staff and I are committed to ensuring that everyone is comfortable in our committee. With that in mind, Daphne, Tomer and I welcome you to Katipunan, 1896 and we look forward to seeing you in committee. Good luck delegates! Ahmed Moselhi, Director, Katipunan, 1896 [email protected] 3 UTMUN 2021 Katipunan, 1896 Committee Description Beginning in the year prior to the discovery of the Katipunan, this committee will explore the inner workings of the secret society as they work to prepare for, spark and attempt to emerge victorious from the Philippine Revolution. Members of this committee will be faced with many challenges. They will work to grow the Katipunan and expand its influence throughout the Philippines while maintaining public image and approval. They also must operate covertly and prevent the knowledge of their existence from falling in the wrong hands. Through this process, delegates will aim to gather power and resources to help prepare for the revolution, including but not limited to: contacting foreign parties. All in hopes of one day, defeating the Spanish colonizers, ensuring Filipino independence and establishing the First Philippine Republic. 4 UTMUN 2021 Katipunan, 1896 Committee Mechanics Doomsday Clock Delegates will be faced with many choices, some of which might threaten to reveal the Katipunan to not only the public but also to Spanish authorities, which will ultimately signal the beginning of the revolution. This will be presented in the form of a “Doomsday Clock,” that moves closer to “T - 0” based on the actions of the delegates. Some actions will move the clock closer to 0 than others. Once time runs out, the existence of Katipunan will officially be made public and the revolution will begin, pitting delegates against a whole host of new challenges. When the delegates decide to go public is up to them and how confident they are in their preparations for the revolution. Active Public Approval A revolution should be for the people and by the people, so delegates can be sure that the public opinion of their actions matter. As part of the committee, delegates will be responsible for ensuring that the people of the Philippines remain moralized and in support of the revolution. If support in one region dies down, it could mean the loss of valuable strategic resources and locations. The Broadcast Words are the fuel that feeds the fire of a revolution. Delegates will have a chance to pass some public directives in the form of Broadcasts to the general public.