1. Rizal's contributions to the revolution:
- Rizal's writings and ideas laid the foundation for the Philippine Revolution. His novels, "Noli Me Tángere" and "El Filibusterismo," exposed the oppressive Spanish rule and awakened national consciousness among Filipinos.
- Rizal's writings promoted reforms and peaceful means to achieve independence, while Bonifacio advocated for an armed revolution. While both men sought to free the Philippines from Spanish colonization, Rizal's approach resonated more with the Filipino интеллигенция and moderate reformists.
2. Rizal's martyrdom:
- Rizal's execution by the Spanish colonizers in 1896 made him a martyr and symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence. His martyrdom further motivated and united Filipinos in their pursuit of independence, making him an enduring national hero.
3. Bonifacio's divisive leadership:
- While Bonifacio was a brave and influential revolutionary leader, his leadership style and the Katipunan, the revolutionary society he founded, faced internal conflicts and divisions. His actions sometimes alienated fellow revolutionaries and caused rifts within the independence movement.
4. Rizal's broader appeal and global influence:
- Rizal's writings, particularly his novels and essays, had a broader impact not only within the Philippines but also internationally. His ideas resonated with intellectuals and progressive thinkers worldwide, gaining him international recognition and admiration. This broader appeal contributed to his stature as a national hero.
5. Historical circumstances and narrative:
- The construction of the Philippine national narrative after independence favored Rizal as the embodiment of the nation's struggle for freedom and identity. Rizal's intellectual contributions, martyrdom, and representation of a more unified national consciousness resonated with the dominant narrative of the Philippine Revolution.
It's important to note that both Rizal and Bonifacio played crucial roles in the Philippine Revolution and are revered as heroes in the Philippines. However, the factors mentioned above contribute to why Rizal became the primary national hero, commemorated as the country's national hero and the symbol of the Filipino nation's struggle for independence.