Who is regarded as the Mother Country of the Philippines?

Question

Spain was regarded as our mother country for having "discovered" the Phillipines. And for almost 400 years, religion, Western cultures, values, arts and music, traditions, new concepts and language were introduced to us and became part of our lives.

Then USA came in 1898 after the defeat of Spain. USA also introduced freedom, equal rights, a republican government, language, cultures, music, ideas, etc.

Years ago, I run into few people who told me that America was our mother country.

To answer this question, you need to define "mother" in this context of history. What makes one country a "mother country" to another? Discuss the qualities, impressions, changes or contributions do each of them made to greatly impact our country and what we are today. Who then decides who should become our mother country and under what prevailing condition, criteria, tests or consensus are they based upon?

Lastly, can one country, such as ours, have more than one mother country? Why?

Answer 1

The Phillipines was a Spanish colony for over 400 years and so Spain would be your "mother" country. The brief USA occupation (50 years) and then liberation makes them a second major influence in your country but not a founding parent. Mother countries are countries that lead to the colonization and Europeanization of the county under discussion. They influence laws, culture and language; in short the fabric of the nation. Later influences may change or add to but are not considered foundering or "mother" countries.

Answer 2

you can certainly have more than one mother country..the United States certainly has more English ( British) influence than any one else; but with large amounts of German, Italian and Irish influences....

but in the sense of mother....in giving birth through pain and blood and sacrifice....I would have to think what we Americans ( and Filipinos, of course!) did at Bataan and Leyte and Manila would qualify..certainly the blood part