When Did Puerto Rico Become Part of The United States?

The question of when Puerto Rico became part of the United States opens the door to a deeper understanding of one of the most significant political shifts in Caribbean history. While Puerto Rico is not a state, it has been under US sovereignty for more than a century. Its path from a Spanish colony to an American territory is rooted in war, diplomacy, and the shifting tides of imperial ambition.

The pivotal moment came in 1898, during the Spanish-American War. As the United States expanded its reach beyond the mainland, Puerto Rico was swept into a new chapter—one that still shapes its identity, politics, and relationship with the federal government today.

The Spanish Era: Before 1898

Before it became an American territory, Puerto Rico had been a Spanish colony for over 400 years. Christopher Columbus landed on the island during his second voyage in 1493, and the Spanish quickly claimed it, naming it San Juan Bautista. The island later became known as Puerto Rico, or "Rich Port," reflecting its economic value.

Under Spanish rule, Puerto Rico was an important military and economic outpost. Forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal were built to defend San Juan Bay from rival European powers and pirates. The island’s economy depended on sugar, coffee, and tobacco plantations, worked in part by enslaved Africans until slavery was abolished in 1873.

By the late 19th century, Puerto Rico was pressing for autonomy. In 1897, Spain granted the island a degree of self-governance under the Carta Autonómica (Autonomic Charter), establishing a local parliament. However, this period of semi-autonomy was short-lived.

1898: The Spanish-American War and the Treaty of Paris

The Spanish-American War began in April 1898, primarily over Spain’s control of Cuba. But as the war unfolded, the conflict spread to other Spanish-held territories, including the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

On July 25, 1898, American troops led by General Nelson A. Miles landed at Guánica on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. The US military met relatively little resistance, and the occupation was completed within weeks. For many Puerto Ricans, the arrival of US forces signaled hope for change, particularly for those who favored independence or escape from Spanish rule.

The war formally ended on December 10, 1898, with the Treaty of Paris. Spain ceded Puerto Rico, along with Guam and the Philippines, to the United States. From that moment, Puerto Rico became an unincorporated US territory. It marked the first time the United States acquired territory with a large, non-English-speaking population outside the mainland.

1900: The Foraker Act and US Civil Authority

While the Treaty of Paris transferred sovereignty, it didn’t immediately define how Puerto Rico would be governed. That changed with the Foraker Act of 1900, passed by Congress to establish a civil government on the island.

The Foraker Act did the following:

• Created a civilian government with a governor appointed by the US President.

• Established an executive council and a locally elected House of Delegates.

• Allowed the US to control Puerto Rico’s foreign relations, currency, and tariffs.

However, Puerto Ricans were not granted US citizenship, and the island had no voting representation in Congress. The law solidified Puerto Rico’s territorial status, placing it under US control without full constitutional rights.

1917: The Jones-Shafroth Act and US Citizenship

A major milestone in Puerto Rico’s political evolution came in 1917 with the Jones-Shafroth Act, which granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans. This change occurred just weeks before the United States entered World War I, prompting some historians to question the timing and motive.

Key provisions of the Jones Act included:

• US citizenship for all persons born in Puerto Rico.

• A bicameral legislature with more local control.

• Separation of powers within the island’s government.

• Continued presidential appointment of the governor and other officials.

US citizenship brought some benefits, such as military service eligibility and mobility across US states. But Puerto Rico still lacked representation in Congress and the right to vote in presidential elections. Nonetheless, the act marked a deepening of the island’s ties to the mainland.

World War II and Strategic Importance

Puerto Rico’s geographic position in the Caribbean made it strategically valuable during World War II. The US military built bases, airfields, and naval stations across the island, especially in areas like Ceiba, Isla Grande, and Roosevelt Roads.

This era transformed the island economically and socially. Thousands of Puerto Ricans served in the armed forces, and the US government invested in infrastructure, education, and health. The military presence also further cemented Puerto Rico’s role within the American sphere.

1952: The Creation of the Commonwealth

In 1952, another landmark moment arrived when Puerto Rico adopted a local constitution and became the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Known as Estado Libre Asociado, this status was approved by Congress and allowed greater self-governance.

The Puerto Rican Constitution:

• Created a democratically elected governor and legislature.

• Defined a bill of rights for island residents.

• Provided autonomy in domestic affairs while maintaining US control over defense, currency, immigration, and international relations.

The creation of the Commonwealth was intended as a compromise between full independence and statehood. While it gave Puerto Rico more internal control, the island remained a territory under the US Constitution. Residents still could not vote in federal elections and had no voting representatives in Congress.

Recent Developments: Debates Over Status

In the 21st century, Puerto Rico’s political status continues to be a source of debate. Economic struggles, a declining population, and the island’s handling of debt and disaster recovery have reignited calls for change.

Several non-binding referendums have asked Puerto Ricans to weigh in on their future:

• 2012: A majority voted in favor of changing the current status, with many choosing statehood.

• 2017: Over 97% of voters supported statehood, though turnout was low.

• 2020: Another referendum showed 52% support for statehood.

Despite these results, Congress has not taken definitive action. Puerto Rico remains in a constitutional gray area subject to federal laws but without the full benefits of statehood or the autonomy of an independent nation.

What It Means to Be a US Territory

Puerto Rico’s unique status affects every aspect of life on the island. Here are some key facts:

• Citizenship: Puerto Ricans are US citizens by birth.

• Voting Rights: Residents can vote in presidential primaries but not in general elections unless they live in a US state.

• Congressional Representation: Puerto Rico has one non-voting representative in the US House.

• Federal Laws: Most federal laws apply, but residents are exempt from some federal taxes.

• Military Service: Puerto Ricans serve in the US military and have done so in every major war since 1917.

Puerto Rico also faces challenges related to disaster aid, economic policy, and health care funding—often the result of its territorial status. Hurricanes like Maria in 2017 exposed gaps in federal response and sparked new conversations about the island’s role within the US.

Conclusion: A Complex and Ongoing Relationship

Puerto Rico officially became part of the United States in 1898, but the story is far from over. Its journey from Spanish colony to US territory and Commonwealth reflects broader themes in American history—military expansion, constitutional ambiguity, and cultural diversity.

Today, the people of Puerto Rico continue to shape their future, navigating the complexities of a relationship that remains unfinished. Whether the island moves toward statehood, independence, or a new form of association, one thing is clear: the events of 1898 changed not only the map but the identity of a nation and its newest citizens.