US Imperialism: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is granted autonomy

Nov 28, 1897

Puerto Rico is granted more autonomy than ever before in Puerto Rican history.

The Spanish-American War

Period: Apr 10, 1898 to Aug 13, 1898

Spain was fighting for the islands it claimed in the Western Hemisphere

The Spanish-American War begins

Apr 25, 1898

America declares war on Spain.

Puerto Rico's autonomy government begins to function

Jul 17, 1898

Puerto Rico's new government starts to function under Spanish rule

Puerto Rico is invaded by America

Jul 25, 1898

General Miles led the march to San Juan, though Spanish surrender was certain, to secure American presence within the islands.

Spain signs unofficial peace treaty

Aug 13, 1898

Before General Miles could reach San Juan, Spain agreed to sign a peace treaty, ending all military hostilities

The Treaty of Paris is signed

Dec 10, 1898

The Treaty of Paris gave the United States Puerto Rico,Guam, and the Philippines

Congress passes the Foraker Act

Apr 12, 1900

Congress passes the Foraker Act which establishes the governing structure for Puerto Rico

Congress passes The Jones Act

Mar 2, 1917

First administrative cabinet under the Jones Act. From left: A. Ruíz Soler (Health), José E. Benedicto (Treasurer), Ramón Siaca Pacheco (Secretary), Hon. Arthur Yager (Governor, 1914-1921), Paul G. Miller (Education), Manuel Camuñas (Labor and Agriculture), Salvador Mestre (Attorney General), Guillermo Esteves (Interior), Jesse W. Bonner (Auditor), Pedro L. Rodríguez (Governor's Secretary).

Puerto Rico is US territory

Oct 10, 1922

1922 In the case of Balzac v. Porto Rico, 258 U.S. 308, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that Puerto Rico was a territory rather than a part of the Union. The decision stated that the U.S. constitution did not apply in Puerto Rico.