Lecture Notes: History and Status of Puerto Rico

Introduction

• Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with the status of an unincorporated territory or commonwealth of the United States.
  • This status is between being a US state and an independent nation.
  • Puerto Ricans are US citizens but cannot vote in federal elections if residing on the island.

Historical Background

Taíno and Spanish Arrival

• Native population: Taíno, with ancestors settling over 1,000 years before the Spanish.
  • Called the island Borinquén and themselves Boricua (still used today).
• Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain in 1493.
• Ponce de Leon founded Caparra in 1508, later renamed Puerto Rico ("rich coast") in 1521.
  • The capital became San Juan.

Spanish Rule

• Lasted nearly 400 years.
  • Economy: cattle, sugarcane, coffee, tobacco.
  • Enslaved Africans were brought to work in harsh conditions.

Transition to US Control

• 1898: Spanish-American War led to US acquiring Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Philippines, and Guam.
  • Puerto Rico continued with a plantation economy, focusing on sugar.

Economic and Political Changes

Economic Shifts

• 1920s: Jones Act increased transportation costs, raising prices on the island.
• 1940s: Operation Bootstrap aimed to industrialize the economy.
  • Attracted American manufacturers with cheap labor and favorable tax laws.
  • Puerto Rico became a leader in high-tech equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Political Developments

• 1900: Foraker Act applied US laws to Puerto Rico, established civilian government.
  • US President appointed governor; residents elected a House and one non-voting Congress member.
• 1948: Puerto Rico achieved commonwealth status.
  • Ongoing debate about becoming a US state, remaining a commonwealth, or becoming independent.
  • Referenda in 1967, 1993, and 1998 reaffirmed the commonwealth status.