Why did the Spanish authorities consider Rizal as the 'soul of the Philippine Revolution?

Jose Rizal, a Filipino polymath, writer, and revolutionary, is considered as the "soul of the Philippine Revolution" by the Spanish authorities because of his writings and ideas that greatly influenced the Philippines' fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Rizal's two most famous works, the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the injustices and corruption of the Spanish government in the Philippines, and they served as a catalyst for the growing discontent among Filipinos. His ideas of nationalism, freedom, and equality resonated with the common people, and it served as a source of inspiration for many Filipinos who wanted to end the Spanish rule.

Rizal was also an advocate of non-violent resistance and education as a means of achieving independence, which set him apart from the more radical elements of the revolution. His ideas and writings were instrumental in uniting Filipinos and shaping the Philippine Revolution's goals and ideals.

Furthermore, his execution by the Spanish authorities in 1896 was a turning point in the revolution as it served as a rallying cry for the Filipinos and led to a more widespread and organized resistance against Spanish rule.

In short, Rizal's ideas, writings, and death played a major role in inspiring and uniting Filipinos to fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Therefore, the Spanish authorities considered Rizal as the soul of the Philippine revolution.