- 1898 The brief Spanish-American War, in which the United States wins Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and other colonial possessions from Spain under the Treaty of Paris, prevents Puerto Ricans from implementing their new government.
- 1990 The Foraker Act establishes a civil government in which Puerto Ricans are only
allowed to elect 30 delegates of the lower house, while the U.S. president
appoints the island's governor, cabinet, and all judges.Free trade is
established between Puerto Rico and the U.S. The resulting influx of U.S.
investment revolutionizes sugarcane production but causes many small farmers to
lose their lands. - 1915 Santiago Iglesias founds the Puerto Rican Socialist Party, which leads strikes,
helps found labor unions, and protests the invasion of U.S. goods and capital
into Puerto Rico. - 1917 Under the Jones Act, Puerto Rico is declared a U.S. territory and citizenship is
conferred on Puerto Ricans. Key government officials, including the governor,
remain presidential appointees. Early U.S. governors are preoccupied with
"Americanizing" Puerto Rican institutions, language, and political habits, but
they have no clear policy on the island's political status. - 1952 Under the Jones Act, Puerto Rico is declared a U.S. territory and citizenship is
conferred on Puerto Ricans. Key government officials, including the governor,
remain presidential appointees. Early U.S. governors are preoccupied with
"Americanizing" Puerto Rican institutions, language, and political habits, but
they have no clear policy on the island's political status.