A walk though Western history as seen from the perspective of the Philippines – its most distant colony. European history filtered through Spain brought religious transformation, world trade, the rise of capitalism, the industrial revolution and the challenges of a nation-state to the islands. Later, under the United States, a world war, would impact the Philippines and its future. The country would have its own unique response and contribution to all these challenges coming from the West. Understanding the historical dynamic provides a context to make sense of the Philippine present.