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David White Jr.

Ms. Aiello
World History Hon
20 February 2016
Puerto Ricos Imperialism
Puerto Rico is a land of much culture that was imperialized by the U.S. in 1898. Before
this, Puerto Rico was an island focused mainly on agriculture and keeping its culture well
preserved. However, once imperialism became a main form of political interaction between
nations, and the United States became interested in Puerto Rico, many things have changed.
Imperialism affected Puerto Rico in many ways, which for the most part seem to be for the
better.
There were many political changes in Puerto Ricos government resulting from American
interaction. First off, before America came, Puerto Ricos government was pretty unstable. They
didnt have any set form of government, but then America changed that. They somewhat
enforced their democratic ideas onto Puerto Rico, although it was for the better. Also, post
imperialism, all Puerto Ricans were legally deemed free from any higher power and also were
deemed equal, much as it says in Americas own constitution. This leads me to the next point, that
Puerto Rico now has their own constitution because of America. They based many of the major
principles within their constitution off of the ones in Americas. Furthermore, since Puerto Rico
was imperialized and given its own rights and such, they were also given a single seat in
Congress, but the representative is not allowed to vote on matters, only observe. Lastly, all of
Puerto Ricos citizens are considered legal citizens of the U.S., and could move into the country

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at any time without repercussions. This commonwealth of the U.S. has changed greatly in
political aspects.
There were also many economic reformations caused by imperialism in Puerto Rico. First
off, they have survived largely because of the economic support the U.S. has shown them. Puerto
Rico was still very unstable from the Spanish-American war, which is how Puerto Rico became a
commonwealth of the U.S., and they needed help. At a time of great depression for Puerto Rico,
America set into motion Operation Bootstrap. Before this operation was set into effect, Puerto
Rico was suffering from famine that was widespread through its people in the 1930s, and
America sent over millions of dollars to help provide food and other necessities of life. America
recognized their need for improvement, and so started the industrialization of Puerto Rico.
Before they were imperialized, Puerto Rico had remained an agricultural area, which wasnt
providing them with the economic stability they needed for their increasing population. So
America sent over ideas of factories and manufacturing during Operation Bootstrap, and all of a
sudden Puerto Rico wasnt in dire need of sustenance any more. The imperialism of Puerto Rico
led to their own economic stability and growth.
There werent many social aspects that were improved or even changed by the
imperialism of Puerto Rico, but there were a few. First off, and most important, other than their
agricultural respect, America largely allowed Puerto Ricans to keep their culture, which probably
benefited the relationship between America and Puerto Ricos in the long run. Also, as stated
before in the political section, all Puerto Ricans were made free and equal by the new
Constitution of Puerto Ricans. This made it so the people couldnt legally be discriminated or put
down because of their ethnicity. Lastly, due to the fact that they were changed from agriculture to
manufacturing, many people who were once poor became either middle class or even reasonably

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wealthy for their area. This improved the social standing of the people within Puerto Rico
greatly, as people werent always struggling to survive day to day by performing hard labor for
hours on end. Imperialism in Puerto Rico was a benefit socially for the people as well.
Puerto Rico being imperialized was overall a good thing for the island. Politically, they
were given a place in the U.S. congress and were given a much more stable and fair form of
government. Economically, they were improved greatly by the renovations of manufacturing and
industry, and America helped out Puerto Rico greatly in their times of struggle. And socially,
people were made free and equal and became overall better off in terms of their money issues.
Imperialism in Puerto Rico was definitely a good thing because America was very good to them,
good job America.