What impact did the US have on Puerto Rico?

What impact did the US have on Puerto Rico?

In 1917, the U.S. Congress passed the Jones Act, which brought Puerto Rico the first significant political changes under U.S. colonial rule. With this law, Congress established a popularly elected legislative branch (a Senate and a House of Representatives) and extended American citizenship to Puerto Rican citizens.

How did the Spanish influence Puerto Rico?

Spanish influence is the most notable of all cultural influences in Puerto Rican culture. As far back as the 16th century, the Spanish built a series of massive defense structures to protect Old San Juan and its bay from other invaders. Parts of Old San Juan and La Fortaleza are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Why did the US claim Puerto Rico?

In the early 1880s, Puerto Ricans (at the time under Spanish rule) began to work for independent government. They reached their goal in 1897; however, a year later, Spain ceded the island to the United States under the provisions of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War.

What were the effects of the Spanish-American War Apush?

War fought between the US and Spain in Cuba and the Philippines. It lasted less than 3 months and resulted in Cuba’s independence as well as the US annexing Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.

What did Spain bring to Puerto Rico?

Soon, Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony on its way to becoming an important military outpost. Puerto Rico began to produce cattle, sugar cane, coffee and tobacco, which led to the importation of slaves from Africa.

What was the result of the Spanish American War?

The war officially ended four months later, when the U.S. and Spanish governments signed the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. Apart from guaranteeing the independence of Cuba, the treaty also forced Spain to cede Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. Spain also agreed to sell the Philippines to…

How big was Puerto Rico during the Spanish American War?

In July 1898, near the end of the Spanish-American War, U.S. forces launched an invasion of Puerto Rico, the 108-mile-long, 40-mile-wide island that was one of Spain’s two principal possessions in the Caribbean.

How did the US gain control of Puerto Rico?

With little resistance and only seven deaths, U.S. troops under General Nelson A. Miles were able to secure the island by mid-August. After the signing of an armistice with Spain, American troops raised the U.S. flag over the island, formalizing U.S. authority over its one million inhabitants.

What did Spain do to help Puerto Rico?

Bowing to U.S. pressure to improve its relationships with its colonies, Spain, under the leadership of Prime Minister Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, agreed to an autonomous constitution for Puerto Rico. It allowed the island to retain its representation in the Spanish Cortes, and provided for a bicameral legislature.