'Describe the early Philippine trade patterns and their significance in the diffusion of cultures in the archipelago.'
In order to answer a question as complex as this one you need to break it down.
The Philippines are an archipelago, which simply means a group of islands that are linked by communities, commerce and culture. The islands are the third largest English speaking country in the world.
Research the early Philippine trade patterns. Here are a few pointers.
• The Chinese play a vital role in early Philippine trade patterns
People from India, Borneo, Sumatram Javam Thailand and Japan also began to trade with the islands.
• People from these countries began to settle on the archipelago, defining different areas of trade.
• This arrangement worked very well for many centuries.
• In 1521 the Spanish colonised the Philippines.• The Spanish built a 'walled city' of European style churches and civil buildings, which they replicated on many different islands.
• After 350 years, the Philippines eventually regained its independence in 1898.
