History of Puerto Rico as a U.S. Territory – Timeline, Facts & Modern Relationship

An overview of Puerto Rico’s journey under U.S. governance, highlighting key historical events, important facts, and its current political and cultural ties with the United States.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory with a rich, complex, and sometimes dark colonial history that dates back centuries. This Caribbean island, now known for its vibrant culture, historical forts, and political debates surrounding its status, has undergone major transformations from Spanish rule to becoming an unincorporated U.S. territory.

When Did Puerto Rico Become Part of the United States?

Puerto Rico officially became a territory of the United States in 1898, following the Spanish-American War. The shift in control from Spain to the United States was formalized through the Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898. This pivotal treaty not only ended Spanish colonial rule in the Western Hemisphere but also marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global colonial power. In addition to Puerto Rico, the U.S. acquired Guam, the Philippines, and Cuba as part of the agreement.

This acquisition was more than a simple change of rulers—it was the beginning of a new era that would shape Puerto Rico’s legal status, identity, and political struggles for more than a century.

Puerto Rico Before U.S. Rule: Who Was Puerto Rico Before the U.S. Took Over?

Before becoming a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony for over 400 years. The island was claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage in 1493, and it was colonized shortly thereafter. Under Spanish rule, Puerto Rico was a vital military and commercial outpost in the Caribbean.

The native Taíno people, who inhabited the island before European contact, were largely decimated due to disease, forced labor, and colonization. Spanish settlers established sugarcane plantations, introduced African slaves, and created a colonial society that left a lasting cultural and linguistic imprint on the island.

What President Made Puerto Rico a U.S. Territory?

While no single U.S. president unilaterally made Puerto Rico a territory, it was under President William McKinley’s administration that the United States annexed Puerto Rico as part of the outcomes of the Spanish-American War. McKinley supported U.S. expansionist policies and authorized the military occupation of Puerto Rico in July 1898.

The Foraker Act of 1900, signed under President William McKinley, formally established a civilian government in Puerto Rico, marking the beginning of its territorial status under U.S. control.

Puerto Rico U.S. Territory Timeline: Key Events in History

Here’s a concise timeline outlining the major historical events in the history of Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory:

• 1493: Christopher Columbus claims the island for Spain.

• 1898: U.S. invades Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War; Treaty of Paris signed, ceding Puerto Rico to the U.S.

• 1900: The Foraker Act establishes a civilian government.

• 1917: The Jones-Shafroth Act grants U.S. citizenship to all Puerto Ricans.

• 1947: Puerto Ricans are allowed to elect their own governor for the first time.

• 1952: Puerto Rico becomes a U.S. commonwealth, adopting its own constitution while remaining a U.S. territory.

• 2012, 2017, 2020: Non-binding referendums are held; the majority of voters express support for Puerto Rico becoming a U.S. state.

• Present: Puerto Rico remains a U.S. territory, with ongoing debates about its political status.

The Jones Act of 1917: Citizenship and Control

One of the most defining moments in the history of Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory was the passage of the Jones-Shafroth Act in 1917. This act granted U.S. citizenship to all Puerto Ricans, which remains in effect today. However, citizenship did not equal full rights. Puerto Ricans could now be drafted into the U.S. military—particularly notable during World War I—but they still couldn't vote in U.S. presidential elections or have voting representation in Congress.

The Jones Act also established a bicameral legislature and a bill of rights for Puerto Rico. However, significant power was retained by the U.S. federal government, particularly over economic and defense matters.

Why Did the U.S. Make Puerto Rico a U.S. Territory?

The acquisition of Puerto Rico served multiple purposes for the United States:

• Military Strategy: Puerto Rico was seen as a key military and naval base in the Caribbean. The U.S. Navy established bases that later became central during both World Wars.

• Economic Interests: The island’s agriculture—particularly sugar, coffee, and tobacco—offered new economic opportunities for U.S. investors and businesses.

• Imperialist Expansion: The late 19th century marked a time of U.S. imperialism. Acquiring territories helped the U.S. extend its influence globally.

The Dark History of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's history under both Spanish and U.S. rule includes dark chapters of exploitation, military occupation, and economic manipulation.

Colonial Exploitation and Disease

Under Spanish colonial rule, the native Taíno population was subjected to forced labor, and diseases such as smallpox decimated the indigenous people.

U.S. Experimentation and Suppression

Under U.S. rule, Puerto Rico became a testing ground for various policies:

• Forced sterilizations of Puerto Rican women were widespread during the mid-20th century.

• Economic dependency developed, as U.S. corporations controlled much of the island’s industry and agriculture.

• Military exercises, particularly on the island of Vieques, led to protests due to environmental and health concerns.

Natural Disasters and Federal Neglect

In recent years, particularly after Hurricane Maria in 2017, the U.S. government's slow and inadequate response exposed the fragile nature of Puerto Rico’s relationship with the mainland, leading many to question the fairness of its territorial status.

Why Is Puerto Rico Not a State?

The question "Why is Puerto Rico not a state?" is one of the most discussed topics in modern Puerto Rican and U.S. history. Despite being a territory for over a century and holding multiple referendums in favor of statehood, Puerto Rico remains a commonwealth.

Some of the reasons include:

• Lack of Congressional Action: Only the U.S. Congress can grant statehood, and there has been little momentum to do so.

• Political Divisions: Puerto Rico has deep internal divisions between pro-statehood, pro-commonwealth, and pro-independence groups.

• Economic Concerns: Questions over how Puerto Rico's debts and economy would be managed if it became a state remain unresolved.

Puerto Rico's Currency and Political Representation

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency. The island elects a Resident Commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives, who can participate in debates but cannot vote on the House floor. Puerto Ricans can serve in the U.S. military and pay some federal taxes but do not vote in presidential elections unless they reside in a U.S. state.

The Modern Relationship Between the U.S. and Puerto Rico

Today, the relationship between the U.S. and Puerto Rico is a mix of shared citizenship, limited rights, and growing tension. Puerto Rico receives U.S. federal funds, benefits from disaster aid, and enjoys free trade with the U.S. However, the island faces:

• A $70+ billion debt crisis

• High levels of poverty and unemployment

• Inadequate healthcare and infrastructure

The political debate continues:

• Pro-statehood advocates argue that only full statehood will ensure equal rights for Puerto Ricans.

• Pro-commonwealth supporters want to maintain a degree of autonomy.

• Independence advocates seek full sovereignty for the island.

Puerto Rico Today: Culture, Identity, and the Future

Despite its status as a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico retains a unique cultural identity, blending Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences. Its language (Spanish and English), music (reggaetón, bomba), food (mofongo, arroz con gandules), and traditions make it distinct within the U.S. landscape.

Recent events—such as Hurricane Maria, political protests, and economic hardship—have reignited conversations about Puerto Rico’s future. Calls for self-determination, statehood, or independence have grown louder, and Puerto Rico’s status remains one of the most pressing unresolved issues in U.S. history.

Conclusion: The Unfinished Story of Puerto Rico’s U.S. Territorial Status

The history of Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory is a story of conquest, identity, and ongoing struggle. From its Spanish colonial beginnings to its current commonwealth status, Puerto Rico stands as a reminder of America's imperial past and its unfinished political responsibilities.

Key Historical Questions:

• What happened to Puerto Rico in 1898?

• When did Puerto Rico become a U.S. commonwealth?

• Why isn’t Puerto Rico a U.S. state?

• What is the current relationship between the U.S. and Puerto Rico?

• Will Puerto Rico ever become the 51st state?

These questions continue to shape the political, economic, and social discourse surrounding this vital yet often overlooked part of American history.

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