Transcript Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

BELLWORK
• Today for bellwork, you
will review over the
causes/effects of the
Spanish-American War.
• Create a chart in your
notes
• Follow the guidelines
on the board.
• Focus on both longterm and short-term!
Long Term Impact
• After their victory, the U.S…
– Solidified their sphere of
influence in the Americas
– Became a major player in
world affairs
– Created military & trade
bases around the world
– Gained access to foreign
markets
• But….. It increased antiU.S. sentiment in the region
Teller Amendment: 1898
Platt Amendment: 1901
• “The United States hereby
disclaims any disposition of
intention to exercise
sovereignty, jurisdiction, or
control over said island except
for pacification thereof, and
asserts its determination, when
that is accomplished, to leave
the government and control of
the island to its people."
• “The United States has the
right to intervene for the
preservation of Cuban
independence, the
maintenance of a government
adequate for the protection of
life, property, and individual
liberty."
Crash Course History: SpanishAmerican War
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfsfoF
qsFk4
Puerto Rico
Commonwealth, statehood, or independence?
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Puerto Rico after the SpAm War
In 1898, Puerto Rico was invaded and
subsequently became a possession of the
United States.
US General Nelson Miles: “accept with joy
the system of Government of the U.S.”
Foraker Act of 1900 – established a civil
government in PR, under control of U.S.
Jones Act of 1917 – made Puerto Ricans
U.S. citizens
1948 – FDR & Congress give PR the
ability to elect their own governor
1952 – officially made PR a U.S.
commonwealth
Commonwealth – organized, but
unincorporated, dependent territory.
U.S. Commonwealths
• Did you know, the U.S. actually has TWO
commonwealths…..
• Puerto Rico and the North Mariana Islands!
Puerto Rico: Commonwealth, Statehood or
Independence?
• You will now read more about
Puerto Rico and their status as a
U.S. Commonwealth.
• As you read…. Highlight and take
notes on important events
throughout Puerto Rico’s history.
• Ultimately, you will need to form
and defend your own opinion…….
Should Puerto Rico remain a
commonwealth? Granted
Puerto Rico’s capital city – San Juan
statehood as the 51st U.S. state?
Or, be given complete
independence?
Discussion
1. How did Puerto Rican citizens respond to America’s occupation
during the Spanish American War?
2. How did the Treaty of Paris effect Puerto Rico’s government?
3. Analyze the advantages/disadvantages of American colonial rule
in Puerto Rico.
4. What was the Foraker Act?
5. How did the government of Puerto Rico change post-WWII?
6. THINKER: Describe and defend your own opinion……. Should
Puerto Rico remain a commonwealth? Granted statehood as the
51st U.S. state? Or, be given complete independence? Explain!
(Answer this question on your post-it note!)
Puerto Rico’s Status
• The class will be divided
into four groups. Each group
will represent a different
option for the political status
of Puerto Rico.
• Your task: Write a speech
that explains the
advantages/disadvantages
of this form of government
• Current
commonwealth
• Enhanced
commonwealth
• Statehood
• Complete
independence
Puerto Rico’s Status
• The class will be divided
into four groups. Each
group will represent a
different option for the
political status of Puerto
Rico.
• Your task: Explain the
advantages/disadvantages
of this form of government
• Current
commonwealth
• Enhanced
commonwealth
• Statehood
• Complete
independence
Roosevelt – A Man of many trades
Hunter &
environmentalist
Cowboy & NY socialite
Loved individualism in
business & fought to
stop monopolies