How did Puerto Rico progress from Spanish colony to US territory?
1 Answer
Puerto Rico was conquered by the US navy during the Spanish American War.
Explanation:
Puerto Rico was the gateway to the Spanish colonies in the Americas. Spanish fleets and armies first arrived in the Caribbean at the port and protected harbor of San Juan Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico was the key to the battles between the Spanish and the United States.
American decided to support the rebels in Cuba in their bid for independence. American policy had always been to remove European influences in the Americas. Supporting the Cubans against Spain fit with this policy.
Once America decided to get involved in the War for Cuban independence America found itself at war with Spain. To win this war America needed to neutralize the Spanish fleet and prevent the army of Spain receiving reinforcements. Taking the port of San Juan in Puerto Rico was key to winning the war.
The modern American Navy easily sailed past the obsolete older forts of San Juan, conquering the harbor. Once the American navy conquered the port all of Puerto Rico came under the control of the United States. Puerto Rico remains under the control of the United States as a territory.
