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Belgian Amiga Club - ADF Collection
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BS1 part 5
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World_Atlas_3.adf
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TEXTA
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1991-09-30
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The Malay people who occupied the Philippine islands were mostly
hunters and farmers when first visited by Europeans. Magellan
visited the islands in 1521. In 1571, the Spanish founded Manila
and the islands were named for King Philip II of Spain. In 1898,
the islands were sold to the United States for $20 million after
the Spanish-American War. Japan attacked the Philippines on
December 8, 1941. After World War II, independence was granted
on July 4, 1946 and a republic was achieved. In 1954, a
communist rebellion was put down. The Philippines and the U.S.
have treaties for U.S. military bases and a mutual defense
treaty. Due to riots and student unrest, on September 21, 1972,
President Marcos declared martial law and began limited land
reforms and price stabilization. On January 17, 1973, Marcos
announced a new constitution, with himself as President and his
wife receiving wide powers to supervise planning and development.
A Moslem civil war broke out between 1973 and 1976 in southern
Mindanao. Fighting resumed in 1977 after a Libyan-mediated
agreement was rejected by the inhabitants of the area. Martial
law was lifted on January 17, 1981 and legislative authority was
turned over to the National Assembly, political prisoners were
released. On August 21, 1983, Benigno S. Aquino Jr., the
opposition leader was assassinated on landing in the Philippines
from exile. Demonstrations followed and a independent commission
of inquirer concluded that the military had conspired to kill
him. A Presidential election ended on February 7, 1986 amongst
allegations of fraud and corruption. On February 16, Marcos was
declared the winner over Corazon Aquino, the widow of the slain
opposition leader. Aquino declared herself the winner and both
candidates held inaugurals on February 25. The military
abandoned support of Marcos and the U.S. urged Marcos's
resignation. On February 26, 1986, Marcos fled the Philippines
for Hawaii. In 1987, Aquino announced land reforms, but
inflation, unemployment, a communist insurgency and weak military
support have plagued the country. The Philippines has over
10,000 miles of coastline and Manila Bay is one of the finest
harbors in the Pacific. @