Socioeconomic Status of Puerto Ricans

Socioeconomic Status of Puerto Ricans

Emily McGibbon
Dr. Clarke
March, 1, 2010
ED3660

Socioeconomic Status of Puerto Ricans

Historical Background:
On April 17th, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain and began his journey to the Indies. However, he ended up discovering much more; he discovered America. Columbus first landed in Boriquen which had the native inhabitants of Puerto Rico. These inhabitants were known at the Taino Indians. Christopher Columbus died on May 20th, 1506. In 1508, Columbus’s first lieutenant, Juan Ponce de Leon, became the governor of Puerto Rico. The Spanish forced the Tainos into labor resulting in an unsuccessful rebellion in 1511. Juan Ponce de Leon, had 6,000 Taino shot; while the remainder of the Tainos fled to the mountains or off the island. In 1513, due to the lack of Taino Indians, African slavery commenced in Puerto Rico. In 1868, the El Grito De Lares revolted against Spain to gain Puerto Rican independence. This event took place in Lares, and was led by Dr. Ramon Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis. In 1869, the first form of political parties was developed in Puerto Rico. In 1873, slavery was finally abolished in Puerto Rico. Also in 1873, the Spanish Constitutional Monarchy was replaced by a republican government. In 1897, the Autonomic Charter is approved by Spain. Spain ceded Puerto Rico to America under the Treaty of Paris. It allowed Puerto Rico to retain representation in the Spanish Cortes, and also allowed for a bicameral legislation. Finally, in 1898, on February 9th, Governor General Manuel Macias inaugurated the brand new government into Puerto Rico. The Autonomous Charter gave town councils autonomy in local matters.

Emergence of Ethnic Consciousness
In 1900, Puerto Rico was surrendered to the United States. The Foraker Law was approved, establishing a civil government and free commerce between the island and the U.S. This law was introduced in American Congress by Senator Joseph Foraker. Puerto Rico became the first...

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