Introduction
World history is replete with examples of dominant countries attempting to subjugate smaller States. A notable example is the centuries-old history of the United States and Puerto Rico. This essay will discuss the peculiarities of these geopolitical relations and assess specific actions. Despite a cover of good and democratic intentions on the part of the United States, their actions were aimed at eliminating one slave organization and establishing their own on the island of Puerto Rico.
Background
Before describing the relationship between Puerto Ricans and the United States, it is essential to understand the history of the island’s inhabitants. It is important to emphasize that the first people in Puerto Rico, Ortoiroids, lived here between 3,000 and 2,000 BC long ago before Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492 (Puerto Rico ppt). Consequently, the island had its own culture, language, and traditions, which were an integral part of the national identity of Puerto Ricans. However, different events put them in serious jeopardy, which was reflected in the decline of the population of Puerto Rico.
Spanish War and US Intentions
After Christopher Columbus had discovered new lands, Europeans began active colonization of the lands. In particular, the Spanish captured Puerto Rico and began using the island for their purposes, including slavery (Marquez, 2017). However, after defeating the Spanish in 1873, the United States abolished slavery on the island (Puerto Rico ppt).
However, complete authority over Puerto Rico became a reason for Americans to enforce their own rules and laws of life for the island’s population. The United States Constitution states that all men are equal in their rights (Marquez, 00.01.30). In contrast, various repressions had begun to take place on the island. Therefore, in assessing the actions of the US, one can say that the US government made considerable efforts to transform the recent Spanish colony into its own.
Attempts of Puerto Rico to Obtain Independence
Given all the above attempts by the US to establish its authority on the island and to subordinate the population of Puerto Rico to its culture and standards of living, it is logical to assume the emergence of a national movement on the island. People sought to prove their right to independence and take appropriate actions such as rallies (Puerto Rico ppt).
However, with a small country and a problematic economy, Puerto Ricans realized their actions were limited. According to Marquez (2017), “When you look at independence? Well, you have to pull out all the federal aid that we received, which are billions of billions of dollars” (00.33.45). Consequently, the island’s population became hostage to a situation where the country’s state largely depended on the United States.
Puerto Rico as a State in the Past and Nowadays
In the video, “The Last Colony – FULL FILM,” the expert, Fernando Martin, states that independence is always better to have freedom than not to have it (Marquez, 00.39.00). It is essential to point out that the various votes cast by the US government and Puerto Rico’s local authorities have offered different self-government options. However, the population often did not vote for the proposed items. People have seen only one form of government, which is fully self-government and will reflect democratic standards (Marquez, 2017).
In addition, according to Marquez (2017), “the alternatives, that is to say, the alternative of statehood, is an artificial alternative, and it has never been real” (Marquez, 00.39.10). However, the vote did not lead to results, and, therefore, Puerto Rico remained a colony of the United States, which is already 125 years old (Puerto Rico ppt). It is the only United States colony left in the 21st century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to stress that only by examining the history of the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico profoundly would it be possible to understand the characteristics of Puerto Ricans’ national movements. Their desire for independence and democratic self-government stems from centuries of injustice and slavery, first from Spain and then from the US. Nevertheless, the island’s people draw lessons from history and learn to live in a modern world.
References
Marquez, J. A. (2017). The Last Colony – FULL FILM – EMMY Winner Juan Agustin Marquez [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Puerto Rico ppt Spri. 2023 rev. [PowerPoint Presentation]