Deep Dive
Why did Puerto Ricans initially view the U.S. as a liberator after the Spanish-American War?
Compared to Spanish rule, the U.S. was seen as a beacon of democracy and a land of Lincoln, especially for black Puerto Ricans who associated the U.S. with the end of slavery.
What was the impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in 2017?
Hurricane Maria devastated the island, leaving it destroyed and causing a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, gas, and essential supplies.
How did Pedro Albizu Campos initially view the U.S. after Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory?
Initially, Albizu Campos saw the U.S. as a potential force for liberation and believed that Puerto Rican participation in World War I could lead to independence.
What role did the Rockefeller Foundation play in Puerto Rico in the early 20th century?
The Rockefeller Foundation sent doctors to address the public health crisis of anemia, but their efforts were often criticized for being exploitative and not addressing the root causes of poverty.
What was the significance of the Rhodes letter in Puerto Rico's history?
The Rhodes letter, which revealed a doctor's racist and genocidal intentions, became a rallying point for the Nationalist Party, fueling their calls for independence and exposing the U.S.'s colonial attitude.
How did Luis Muñoz Marín's approach to Puerto Rico's future differ from Pedro Albizu Campos's?
Muñoz Marín focused on economic reform and industrialization with U.S. support, while Albizu Campos advocated for immediate independence through revolutionary means.
What was the outcome of the 1950 nationalist uprising in Puerto Rico?
The uprising was suppressed, and many nationalists, including Albizu Campos, were arrested. Puerto Rico eventually voted for commonwealth status, effectively sidelining independence as a political option.
What was the significance of the 1954 Capitol shooting by Puerto Rican nationalists?
The shooting aimed to draw attention to Puerto Rico's colonial status and the plight of nationalists. While it did not achieve its goal, it left a lasting legacy as a symbol of resistance.
How did the U.S. military's involvement in Puerto Rico during World War II impact the island?
The U.S. military invested heavily in infrastructure, creating new roads, military bases, and airports, which transformed Puerto Rico's economy and urban landscape.
What was the long-term impact of Cornelius Rhodes' actions on Puerto Rican nationalism?
Rhodes' actions, including his racist letter and medical experiments, became a symbol of U.S. colonialism, galvanizing support for the Nationalist Party and its fight for independence.
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