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Jan 31, 1508
Juan Ponce de León begins takeover of Puerto Rico
Juan Ponce de Leon lands at San Juan harbor, which he named Puerto Rico. In 1521 the settlement of San Juan was founded. Leon's take over lead to the elimination of the native Arawak people. Ponce de Leon shaped Puerto Rico into one of the riches ports, making it very important to Spain. -
Feb 1, 1513
First Black Salves Introduced
The introcution of black slaves into Puerto Rico lead to the consrtuction of Sugar Plantations, which is where Spaniards focused most of their energy within the region -
Slavery Abolished
Spain ends slavery in the Puerto Rico, leading to the decline in the sugar can industry. -
New Spanish Republican Constitution
During the Spanish reform movement Spain adopted a new republican constitution which extended to Puerto Rico representation in Spanish government. -
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Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War lasted only 113 days and was a result of the U.S. intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. During the war, the U.S. attacked many other Spanish territories in order to weaken their empire. -
America Takes Puerto Rico
American General Nelson A. Miles landed at Guánica Bay to take over Puerto Rico and is met with some, but not substantial resistance. -
Spain Signs Armistice
Spain agrees to an armistice just before United States troops reach San Juan, Puerto Rico. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was a very one-sided treaty, as the United States received many of Spain's territories. As a result of the treaty, the U.S. got Guam, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, and had to pay $20 million for Spain's possessions in the Phillipines. -
Ratification of Treaty of Paris
The United States Senate rattified the Treaty of Paris by only one vote. Rattification of the treaty was heavily disputed because the American people were not happy about the beginning of U.S. imperialism shown by purchasing the Phillipines. -
Foraker Act
The Foraker Act created a restricted popular government in Puerto Rico. A governor and council were appointed by the President, a House of Representatives had 35 elected members, a judicial system including a Supreme Court, and a non-voting Congress member were created in the new government.. -
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Insular Cases
Several cases that addressed the controversial issue over whether or not the Constitution followed the flag or not. These cases decided that Congress had the right to determine the rights of those who lived in Americna possessions. Puerto Ricans and Filipinos, though subject to American rule, did not enjoy all American rights for example.
