How Did Puerto Rico Become Part of the United States?
Puerto Rico’s journey to becoming a part of the United States is a complex and intricate tale that traces back to the late 19th century. The story begins with the Spanish-American War in 1898, when Spain ceded control of Puerto Rico to the United States as part of the Treaty of Paris. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Puerto Rico’s history, one that ignited various debates about the island’s political status and relationship with the U.S.
Prior to the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico had been a Spanish colony for over four centuries. During this period, Puerto Ricans led various uprisings against Spanish rule, calling for independence or greater autonomy. However, it was not until 1898 that significant change occurred.
The Spanish-American War erupted in April 1898, with the United States seeking to protect its interests in Cuba and end Spanish colonization in the Americas. In July of the same year, U.S. forces landed in Puerto Rico, facing little resistance from the weakened Spanish administration. The capture of the island opened new debates about its future political status.
In 1900, the U.S. Congress passed the Foraker Act, which established civilian rule in Puerto Rico while also setting the groundwork for future American control. Under this act, Puerto Rico became an unincorporated territory of the U.S., placing the island under the governance of a governor appointed by the President of the United States. However, Puerto Ricans did not have full U.S. citizenship, and the island was not represented in Congress.
In 1917, the Jones-Shafroth Act granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans. This act also created a bicameral legislature, with a popularly elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate. While this brought a greater sense of political inclusion, Puerto Rico still lacked representation or voting rights in the federal government.
Throughout the mid-20th century, discussions surrounding Puerto Rico’s political status gained momentum. In 1952, Puerto Rico officially became a Commonwealth of the United States through the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act, commonly known as the Constitution of Puerto Rico. This act established a local constitution and allowed Puerto Rico to govern itself internally, while still remaining constitutionally linked to the United States.
While Puerto Rico has had relative economic stability as a Commonwealth, the political question of whether to become a state, gain independence, or retain the current status continues to be a topic of great interest and discussion. Every few years, Puerto Ricans are given the opportunity to express their preference regarding their political future through non-binding referendums. However, these referendums have not led to a definitive resolution.
Furthermore, Puerto Rico has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a debt crisis and the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017. These events have brought renewed attention to the island’s political relationship with the United States and have opened the conversation for potential change.
In conclusion, Puerto Rico became part of the United States through the Spanish-American War in 1898. However, the island’s political status and relationship with the U.S. have been a constant point of debate and discussion. From the Foraker Act to the Jones-Shafroth Act, and ultimately the Commonwealth status, Puerto Rico’s path has been one filled with complex decisions and ongoing dialogue regarding its future.