Sociabilités et liens personnels aux Philippines sous la colonisation américaine

Abstract

The archives of Manuel Quezon (regarded as the first president of the Philippines) shed a new light on the social relations in the upper class. During the American rule, a wide network of associations acting as pressure groups in the archipelago gave an impetus to the young democracy. M. Quezon pragmatically used clubs and societies to reinforce his position as a political leader, the only one capable of governing the country after independence. This is especially visible in his Masonic connections. Beyond this, the letters of introduction (for introducing an individual) and recommendation (for procuring a position) also create a social bond. These letters are open to various interpretations. They may correspond to social codes, linked to good manners, for example. In the public sphere they show how a political leader could win the fidelity of his clientele, by acting as a "go between". Through these exchanges, we can appreciate the degree of Americanization of Philippine society.