Foreign Intervention Mini-Project by Alessandra Marte

Context of US Intervention

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In April 1898 the United States declared war on Spain. On July 25, 1898, 16,000 U.S. troops invaded Puerto Rico at Guánica, asserting that they were liberating the inhabitants from Spanish colonial rule, which had recently granted the island's government limited autonomy. U.S. landing site.
On October 18, 1898, American troops fighting in the Spanish-American War raised the United States flag on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico formalizing U.S. control of the former Spanish colony. The American flag floated upon most public buildings, this marked the end of four centuries of Spanish Imperial occupation and the beginning of U.S. sovereignty at the dawn of what has been called the American Century y. General Nelson A. Miles had landed approximately 3,500 U.S. troops on the island on July 25. In 1917, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States and its people became citizens. Migration from rural areas to metropolitan regions increased significantly during the twentieth century as the agriculture industry on the island economy.

US Perspectives on Intervention

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Puerto Rico was considered strategically important to the United States before its acquisition in 1898. Puerto Rico was an essential component of the Monroe Doctrine, which in 1823 declared domination for the United States in the Western Hemisphere. The United States wished to compete economically with European powers. At the time Latin America was the most viable avenue for development from an economic standpoint. Puerto Rico was central to gaining access to Latin American markets. For Republicans, a coaling station and naval base in Puerto Rico were critical for protecting commercial interests in the region. This included the production of sugar and other agricultural products. Sovereignty over Puerto Rico allowed the United States to establish a military stronghold and gain control over industries in the region. When the United States invaded Puerto Rico and achieved its goal in 1898, Spain handed the island to the United States under the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War. On April 2, 1900, President McKinley approved and signed the Foraker Act. This act stated that Puerto Rico was declared an "unorganized territory" of the United States with limited self-government. The Foraker Act changed the way of life on the island. It established a type of pseudo-government or false government that gave Puerto Ricans a role in their affairs.

Native Perspectives of US Intervention

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Although Puerto Rico had just begun its experiment with self-government granted by the Spanish rulers in 1897, its citizens initially greeted the transfer of ultimate authority from Spain to the United States in 1898 with much enthusiasm because of the promise of the expansion of American democratic values and economic development. However, while the transfer led to dramatic socioeconomic transformation, Puerto Ricans' dreams of political and economic development faded during the first three decades of the twentieth century. The promises of self-government and better conditions for Puerto Rico had to wait almost fifty years. Puerto Rico's future status has remained a topic of discussion for centuries. Instead of experiencing insurrection like Cuba and the Philippines, Puerto Rico has remained a United States commonwealth. In a recent study, less than half of Puerto Ricans expressed a willingness to modify the country's relationship with the United States. Among the minority who desired a change, 61% preferred statehood, 34% to become a protectorate, and 5% favored complete independence.

(Political Cartoons)

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The cartoon illustrates the anti-imperialist sentiment of the time period. The image depicts Uncle Sam as a self-righteous diner pondering and deciding which country to consume and take over first, as U.S. President William McKinley waits on him.The caption states, “Well, I hardly know which to take first!” while Uncle Sam has a large grin on his face. The cartoon portrays the US attitude of superiority and selfishness by showing that they wanted to take all the options provided and that there was no competition.

Source

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(Political Cartoons)

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This Political cartoon shows the aftermath of the Spanish American War. Uncle Sam is seen balancing his new possessions, which are depicted and portrayed as savage and wild children. The figures are identified as Puerto Rico,Hawaii,Cuba,Ladrones and the Phillippines.The captions reads "It's really most extraordinary what training will do. Why, only the other day I thought that man unable to support himself."The images purpose was to show other nations what the United States had acquired and essentially “won.”

(Political Cartoon)

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The outcome of the Spanish-American War had consequences for several of Spain's former colonies. The United States annexed Puerto Rico.This political cartoon from shortly before the conclusion of the war in 1898 reflects the pro-expansionist view, contrasting the benefits derived from American involvement by Puerto Rico.Which is represented by a shiny brand new outfit marked "Annexation Suit from Your Uncle Sam.”and Cuba portrayed clutching bread and waving the flag of independence. The uncertain status of the Philippines was depicted as a "savage" child. All three nations were depicted as children, dependent on the support and efforts of the “famous hero” Uncle Sam.

Digital Content

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Digital Content

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Digital Content

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Source

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How the US Invaded Puerto Rico

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