What Happened to Puerto Rico after the Spanish-American War?
The Spanish-American War, fought from April to August 1898, was a pivotal moment in modern history. The war saw the United States emerge victorious, claiming Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as its new territories. But what happened to Puerto Rico after the war? In this article, we’ll explore the events that shaped the island’s fate and its journey towards becoming the US territory it is today.
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, officially ended the Spanish-American War. The treaty established that Spain would cede Puerto Rico, along with Guam and the Philippines, to the United States. The treaty also granted the United States control over Cuba, but only after Spain had withdrawn its troops and the island had gained its independence.
The US Military Government
In December 1898, the US military government took control of Puerto Rico. The government was led by General Nelson A. Miles, who was tasked with establishing a new administration and promoting the development of the island. The military government implemented a number of reforms, including the establishment of a new currency, the US dollar, and the introduction of American laws and customs.
The Foraker Act
In 1900, the US Congress passed the Foraker Act, which established a civilian government in Puerto Rico. The act created a governor-appointed cabinet and a 35-member legislative assembly, with 15 members elected by the people and 20 appointed by the governor. The Foraker Act also granted Puerto Rico a degree of autonomy, allowing it to manage its own affairs and make its own laws.
The Jones-Shafroth Act
In 1917, the US Congress passed the Jones-Shafroth Act, which granted Puerto Rico US citizenship. The act also established a new government structure, with a governor and a 51-member legislative assembly. The act also created a Puerto Rican constitutional convention, which drafted a constitution for the island.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
In 1952, the US Congress passed the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act, which established the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The act granted Puerto Rico a degree of autonomy, allowing it to govern itself in most matters, but also retaining ties with the United States.
Current Status
Today, Puerto Rico is a US territory with a population of over 3.2 million people. It has its own government and constitution, but is still subject to the authority of the US Congress. Puerto Rico is not a state, but it has a degree of autonomy and can make its own laws in most matters.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its current status, Puerto Rico faces a number of challenges, including a deepening economic crisis and a growing population of Puerto Rican Americans on the mainland. The island’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism and manufacturing, and it is vulnerable to external shocks, such as changes in the global economy.
Economic Crisis
In 2015, Puerto Rico faced a debt crisis, with a debt of over $72 billion. The crisis was caused by a combination of factors, including a decline in tourism, a decrease in manufacturing jobs, and a rise in debt service payments. The crisis led to a series of austerity measures, including a reduction in government spending and a increase in taxes.
Demographic Challenges
Puerto Rico also faces demographic challenges, including a declining population and an aging population. The island’s population has been declining since 2010, with a total population loss of over 200,000 people. The population is also aging, with over 20% of the population aged 65 or older.
Opportunities
Despite these challenges, Puerto Rico also faces opportunities, including a growing tourism industry and a developing renewable energy sector. The island’s tourism industry is growing, with a 12% increase in visitors in 2019. The island is also developing its renewable energy sector, with a goal of generating 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what happened to Puerto Rico after the Spanish-American War was a complex and multifaceted process. The island was first occupied by the US military, then established as a US territory, and finally granted a degree of autonomy as a US commonwealth. Today, Puerto Rico faces a number of challenges, including an economic crisis and demographic changes, but it also has opportunities for growth and development.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1898: The Spanish-American War ends, and Puerto Rico is ceded to the United States.
- 1900: The Foraker Act establishes a civilian government in Puerto Rico.
- 1917: The Jones-Shafroth Act grants Puerto Rico US citizenship and establishes a new government structure.
- 1952: The Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act establishes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- 2015: Puerto Rico faces a debt crisis, with a debt of over $72 billion.
- 2019: Puerto Rico’s tourism industry grows by 12%.
Table: Puerto Rico’s Population
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1900 | 913,663 |
| 1950 | 1,787,168 |
| 2000 | 3,808,610 |
| 2010 | 3,725,789 |
| 2019 | 3,193,694 |
Bullets: Key Takeaways
• Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War.
• The Foraker Act established a civilian government in Puerto Rico in 1900.
• The Jones-Shafroth Act granted Puerto Rico US citizenship in 1917.
• The Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act established the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1952.
• Puerto Rico faces a debt crisis and demographic challenges.
• Puerto Rico has opportunities for growth and development in its tourism and renewable energy sectors.
