The research question of this work is "Why has Puerto Rico never become either independent or an incorporated state of the United States of America?" and focuses on making visible the reasons for the absence of a decision for a clear status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
The first part of the paper will briefly outline the history of the Caribbean island before the main part will examine historical speeches, documents, status referenda, special events and monographs concerning Puerto Rico and the reasons for the lack of incorporation or independence from both the Puerto Rican and the United States point of view. One of the main points of interest will be to uncover possible racism as a motive for the USA to keep the colony in possession, since it has always been prevalent in the pejorative treatment of non-white minorities. In addition, it will be clarified why the inhabitants of Puerto Rico have long supported or endured the unclear status of the Commonwealth.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Background
3. Analysis of historical sources in search of reasons
3.1 General Miles 1898
3.2 William McKinley 1899
3.3 Downes vs. Bidwell 1901
3.4 Theodore Roosevelt 1906
3.5 Post World War II and The Establishment of the Commonwealth 1953
3.6 John F. Kennedy 1958/ Gerald R. Ford 1977/ Ronald Reagan 1982/ George Bush senior 1989
3.7 Referenda 1993, 1998, 2012 and 2017
3.8 Recent past
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This work examines the historical and political reasons why Puerto Rico has neither achieved independence nor become an incorporated state of the United States. It investigates how colonial status was maintained through various historical epochs, focusing on the interplay between US strategic interests, racist ideologies, economic dependency, and the internal political fragmentation of Puerto Rico.
- The influence of racist ideology and US exceptionalism on the treatment of Puerto Rico.
- Strategic and military imperatives, including the Monroe Doctrine and the Roosevelt Corollary.
- The economic dependency of Puerto Rico on US tax incentives and federal status.
- The role of the "Commonwealth" status as a tool for maintaining control while navigating internal political divisions.
- Analysis of status referenda and the political fragmentation hindering a clear resolution.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 General Miles 1898
In order to put yourself in the shoes of the people of Puerto Rico and in their euphoric cheers to the liberators who embodied the values of democracy, economic prosperity and freedom in the eyes of Puerto Ricans, it is useful to look at the speech General Miles made to the people of the island shortly after the conquest: There Miles implored that the war against Spain was waged for freedom, justice and humanity and that the Americans wanted to give the people of Puerto Rico a helping hand (cf. Hermann 1907: 31). Thus, the first act would be to relieve the people of their obligations to their former sovereign Spain, in the hope that they would now recognize the authority of the USA. For the Americans had come to protect the people of the island and their possessions and to bestow upon them the blessings and immunities of the liberal institutions of the USA. The war against the remaining Spaniards on the island would only be waged to give the people of Puerto Rico the benefits of the enlightened civilization of the USA (cf. ibid.: 32).
Although this is a very benevolent announcement, General Miles can be seen to have a belief in the superiority of his own country's culture, institutions and values, usually combined under the keyword exceptionalism. In relation to the natives the narrative of the superior saviour is thus constructed, who offers the Puerto Ricans "a fostering arm" (ibid.: 31). The hopes connected with this speech must have been enormous, after all the USA back then was already a superior economic power. However, Carr describes that even under Spanish rule there had been little resistance to the repressive policy and that the natives had come to terms with the situation (cf. Carr 1984: 29). The population also lacked civic commitment to the idea of independence and a common identity (cf. ibid.: 30). It therefore seemed that Puerto Ricans could overnight change from Spanish patriots to decent, freedom-loving US citizens (cf. ibid.: 29), especially since the local political elite could identify well with the values and virtues of the new conquerors (cf. ibid.: 30).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the complex constitutional status of Puerto Rico and outlines the research question regarding the lack of clear status resolution.
2. Historical Background: Traces the island's history from Columbus to the transition from Spanish colonial rule to US occupation in 1898.
3. Analysis of historical sources in search of reasons: Examines chronological US policies and attitudes that have shaped the island's political status.
3.1 General Miles 1898: Analyzes the promises of "enlightened civilization" during the initial US occupation.
3.2 William McKinley 1899: Explores racist undertones and the denial of self-government in early US presidential rhetoric.
3.3 Downes vs. Bidwell 1901: Discusses the Supreme Court's role in establishing the legal limbo of the "Insular Cases".
3.4 Theodore Roosevelt 1906: Analyzes the rhetoric of "orderly liberty" as a justification for continued territorial control.
3.5 Post World War II and The Establishment of the Commonwealth 1953: Evaluates the transition to "Commonwealth" status and its impact on Puerto Rican political identity.
3.6 John F. Kennedy 1958/ Gerald R. Ford 1977/ Ronald Reagan 1982/ George Bush senior 1989: Investigates the impact of Cold War strategy on maintaining the status quo and later shifts toward statehood support.
3.7 Referenda 1993, 1998, 2012 and 2017: Analyzes how ballot distortions and boycotts have undermined efforts to change the island's status.
3.8 Recent past: Discusses the role of federal taxation and economic crisis in the current discourse on statehood.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes findings across three historical periods to provide a comprehensive explanation for Puerto Rico's current ambiguous status.
Keywords
Puerto Rico, Commonwealth, United States, Colonialism, Statehood, Independence, Spanish-American War, Foraker Act, Insular Cases, Racism, Big Stick Policy, Roosevelt Corollary, Political Status, Referenda, Sovereignty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The work investigates why Puerto Rico has remained in a perpetual state of political limbo—neither fully independent nor an incorporated state of the United States—since the late 19th century.
What are the primary themes analyzed in the paper?
The study focuses on US strategic interests, the influence of racist ideologies in imperial policy, the impact of the Cold War, and the internal political fragmentation of Puerto Rico.
What is the central research question?
The research asks: "Why has Puerto Rico never become either independent or an incorporated state of the United States of America?"
Which scientific method is utilized in the study?
The author conducts a chronological analysis of primary and secondary historical sources, including presidential speeches, legal court cases, status referenda, and political monographs to uncover shifting US policies.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the history of US-Puerto Rican relations across three distinct periods: 1899–1945, 1946–1989, and 1990 to the present day.
What are the key terms that define this work?
Key terms include "Commonwealth," "colonial status," "exceptionalism," "strategic defense," and "political fragmentation."
How does the author interpret the term "Commonwealth" in this context?
The author describes it as an ambiguous, "clumsy" translation of the Spanish "Estado libre asociado," serving primarily as a political compromise to maintain concessions while avoiding full autonomy.
What role do the referenda play in the author's analysis?
The referenda are presented as evidence of a fractured political landscape, where boycotts and controversial ballot wording have consistently prevented a clear mandate for statehood or independence.
Does the paper suggest why recent US policy has shifted toward favoring statehood?
Yes, the author points to the desire to integrate the island economically and diminish the influence of external actors, though noting that constitutional hurdles, like federal taxation, remain major obstacles.
- Citar trabajo
- Mathias Mißler (Autor), 2020, Why has Puerto Rico never become either independent or an incorporated state of the United States of America?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/932836
