Puerto Rico Acquisition

Definition

The Puerto Rico Acquisition refers to the transfer of control over Puerto Rico from Spain to the United States as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898. This acquisition marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as it represented a move towards imperialism and the expansion of American influence in the Caribbean and Latin America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, officially ended the Spanish-American War and ceded Puerto Rico to the United States.
2. Puerto Rico's acquisition allowed the U.S. to establish a strategic military presence in the Caribbean, which was important for protecting American interests in Latin America.
3. Following its acquisition, Puerto Rico was governed by military rule until the Foraker Act was enacted, which established a civilian government.
4. The Insular Cases determined that full constitutional rights were not automatically extended to territories like Puerto Rico, leading to ongoing debates about citizenship and rights.
5. The acquisition of Puerto Rico is often viewed as part of a broader trend of American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a desire for economic expansion and international influence.

Review Questions

• How did the Puerto Rico Acquisition reflect changes in U.S. foreign policy during the late 19th century?
  • The Puerto Rico Acquisition exemplified a shift towards imperialism in U.S. foreign policy as it marked a departure from previous isolationist tendencies. Following the Spanish-American War, the U.S. began to assert itself on the global stage, seeking new territories to expand its influence and access new markets. This acquisition highlighted America's growing interest in territorial expansion beyond continental borders, setting a precedent for future interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Discuss the implications of the Foraker Act on Puerto Rican governance and its relationship with the United States.
  • The Foraker Act had significant implications for Puerto Rican governance as it established a civilian government on the island while maintaining U.S. authority over key aspects of its administration. Although it allowed for some local self-government, ultimate control rested with Washington, highlighting an unequal relationship between Puerto Rico and the mainland. This legislation laid the groundwork for ongoing debates about colonial status, autonomy, and rights within Puerto Rico's political landscape.
• Evaluate how the Insular Cases shaped the legal status of Puerto Rico and other territories acquired by the U.S., considering their long-term impact on civil rights.
  • The Insular Cases played a crucial role in defining the legal status of Puerto Rico and other territories acquired after the Spanish-American War by establishing that not all constitutional rights were automatically applicable. This ruling created a separate category for these territories, which were often referred to as 'unincorporated' possessions. The implications of these decisions have had lasting effects on civil rights discussions in Puerto Rico, influencing debates on citizenship, representation, and self-determination that continue to resonate in contemporary politics.

Related terms

Spanish-American War:

A conflict fought between Spain and the United States in 1898, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Foraker Act:

Legislation passed in 1900 that established civilian government in Puerto Rico after its acquisition, defining the relationship between the island and the U.S. government.

Insular Cases: A series of Supreme Court cases in the early 1900s that addressed the constitutional status of U.S. territories acquired after the Spanish-American War, including Puerto Rico.