Puerto Rico
Definition
An island located in the Caribbean Sea, it became a U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Analogy
Think of Puerto Rico as a strategic chess piece that America gained control over after winning a game (the Spanish-American War). This piece gives America more influence and power on the global chessboard.
Related terms
Spanish-American War: A conflict between Spain and the United States in 1898, resulting in American acquisition of territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
Foraker Act: Passed by Congress in 1900 to establish a civil government for Puerto Rico. It also officially designated Puerto Rico as an "unincorporated territory" of the United States.
Jones Act: A law passed in 1917 granting U.S. citizenship to residents of Puerto Rico while maintaining its status as an unincorporated territory.
"Puerto Rico" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (5)
Which war led to American acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and Philippines?
Which war resulted in America gaining control over new territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines?
What is a primary difference between U.S.'s handling of Cuba following Spanish-American War & its treatment of Puerto Rico?
Which country ceded Puerto Rico to United States following the Spanish-American War?
What was one major impact of U.S imperialism on Puerto Rico during the early twentieth century?
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