History · JC 1 · Political Systems and Governance · Semester 2

People Power: EDSA Revolution (Philippines)

Studying the 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines as a case study of non-violent democratic transition.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Democratic Transitions and People Power - JC1

About This Topic

This topic examines the dramatic 'People Power' movements and democratic transitions in Southeast Asia, specifically the 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines and the 1998 Reformasi in Indonesia. Students analyze the factors that triggered the sudden collapse of long-standing authoritarian regimes, such as economic crises, blatant corruption (crony capitalism), and the mobilization of the middle class and civil society.

The curriculum explores the role of the military in these transitions, whether they chose to support the regime or side with the protesters. Students evaluate the challenges of 'consolidating' democracy after the fall of a strongman and why some transitions have been more successful than others. Understanding these movements is vital for discussing the future of democracy in the region. This topic comes alive when students can engage in role-plays of the 'tipping point' moments of these revolutions.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the factors that led to the collapse of the Marcos regime in the Philippines.
2. Explain the role of civil society and the military in the EDSA Revolution.
3. Evaluate the immediate and long-term impacts of the EDSA Revolution on Philippine democracy.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the socio-economic and political factors contributing to the decline of the Marcos regime.
• Explain the critical roles played by various civil society groups and the military in the EDSA Revolution.
• Evaluate the immediate outcomes of the EDSA Revolution on Philippine governance.
• Synthesize the long-term impacts of the EDSA Revolution on the consolidation of democracy in the Philippines.

Before You Start

Authoritarian Regimes in Southeast Asia

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of the characteristics of authoritarian rule to appreciate the context from which the EDSA Revolution emerged.

The Role of Civil Society in Political Change

Why: Familiarity with how non-governmental organizations and citizen groups can influence political outcomes is essential for understanding the EDSA Revolution's dynamics.

Key Vocabulary

People Power Revolution	A series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines that lasted from February 22 to 25, 1986, leading to the ousting of President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Civil Society	Non-governmental organizations and institutions that represent the interests of citizens and mediate between the people and the state, playing a key role in advocacy and mobilization.
Non-violent Transition	A change in political leadership or system that occurs through peaceful means, such as protests and civil disobedience, rather than armed conflict.
Democratic Consolidation	The process by which a new democracy matures, becoming stable and deeply rooted, with established institutions and widespread acceptance of democratic norms.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Democratic transitions are always quick and permanent.

What to Teach Instead

The fall of a dictator is often followed by a long and difficult period of institutional reform, and 'backsliding' into authoritarianism is a constant risk. Peer discussion of the 'post-Reformasi' challenges in Indonesia helps clarify this.

Common Misconception

These revolutions were purely spontaneous outbursts of anger.

What to Teach Instead

While they had spontaneous elements, they were also the result of years of underground organizing by civil society, religious groups, and student movements. A timeline of 'pre-revolution' activism helps students see the groundwork involved.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Tipping Point

Students act as different stakeholders (students, military officers, business leaders, and regime officials) during the final days of the Marcos or Suharto regimes. They must decide whether to continue supporting the leader or join the protests.

50 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share: The Role of the Middle Class

Students discuss why the middle class, which often supported strongmen for the sake of stability, eventually turned against them. They reflect on the impact of the 1997 financial crisis on this shift.

25 min·Pairs

Gallery Walk: Symbols of Reformasi

Stations feature photos of the 'Yellow Revolution,' student posters from Jakarta, and the 'Reformasi' slogan. Students analyze how these symbols were used to unify diverse groups against the regime.

40 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Historians and political scientists at institutions like the Ateneo de Manila University continue to study the EDSA Revolution to understand patterns of democratic transition and authoritarian collapse in Southeast Asia.
• Journalists who covered the EDSA Revolution, such as those from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, documented the events in real time, providing primary source material for understanding the revolution's dynamics and impact.
• Filipino citizens today often reference the EDSA Revolution as a touchstone for national identity and a reminder of the power of collective action in shaping their country's political future.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Considering the factors that led to the EDSA Revolution, what are the most important lessons for maintaining a healthy democracy today?' Facilitate a class discussion, asking students to cite specific examples from the case study and connect them to contemporary issues.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short, anonymized quote from a participant or observer of the EDSA Revolution. Ask them to identify which key group (e.g., middle class, military, religious leaders) the speaker likely represents and explain their reasoning based on the quote's content.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, ask students to write two factors that weakened the Marcos regime and one significant immediate consequence of the EDSA Revolution. Collect these as students leave to gauge comprehension of the revolution's causes and initial effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 1986 EDSA Revolution?

The EDSA Revolution (People Power Revolution) was a series of non-violent protests in the Philippines that led to the departure of President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy under Corazon Aquino. It was sparked by allegations of electoral fraud and the defection of key military leaders.

What caused the 1998 Reformasi in Indonesia?

Reformasi was triggered by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, which led to a collapse of the rupiah and widespread economic hardship. This fueled long-standing grievances over Suharto's 'crony capitalism' and corruption, leading to massive student-led protests.

What is the role of the military in democratic transitions?

The military is often the 'kingmaker' in these transitions. If the military refuses to fire on protesters or actively defects to the opposition (as happened in 1986 and 1998), the regime's collapse becomes almost inevitable.

How can active learning help students understand People Power?

By simulating the 'tipping point' moments, students can experience the high-stakes decisions and the 'fog of revolution.' This helps them understand that these transitions were not inevitable, but the result of specific choices made by individuals and groups under extreme pressure.