Puerto Rico
The U.S. occupies Puerto Rico with a force under General Miles in 1898. The Foraker Act of
1900 attaches Puerto Rico as unincorporated territory with an elective legislature, governor
and council appointed by the President. In 1909 a split develops between an independence
movement and supporters of U.S. statehood. The 1917 Jones Act creates of Puerto Rico an
"organized but unincorporated territory." Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship. Modifications to
laws give Puerto Ricans the right to elect their own governor in 1947. Puerto Rico is now "free"
but must obey the U.S. Constitution. In 1952 the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is established:
statehood and independence options are still available and under debate at the present time.
Excerpted from: http://www.sagehistory.net/worldpower/imperialism.htm