American Imperialism

1
American Imperialism

• Puerto Rico

John Kloehn Kevin Yacker
2
Definition of Imperialism

• The policy of extending the rule or authority of
  an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of
  acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

3
U.S. Involvement

• 1898- American troops landed on the island of
  Puerto Rico.
• Due to part of the Spanish-American war

4
U.S. Motives

• The island of Puerto Rico was key in holding the
  American front in the Caribbean.
• Control of the island was necessary to protect
  their interests in the Isthmus of Panama.

5
Justification

• The justification for controlling Puerto Rico was
  for the protection of the Isthmus of Panama.
• The Isthmus of Panama would later be used to
  build the Panama Canal.

6
Were the USs Actions Justified?

• The US imperialistic actions upon Puerto Rico
  where justified.
• Unlike in other US territories, the US allowed
  limited rule over government and gave the
  citizens limited rights that would one day be
  beneficial.

7
Reaction of Local Population

• Not all Puerto Ricans wanted independence as
• Munoz Rivera did.
• Some wanted state hood.
• Others hoped for some measure of local
  self-government as an American territory.

8
Final Result

• In 1900 congress passed the Foraker Act
• This Act contained
• A termination of military rule
• Establishment of a colonial government
• The governor was to be appointed by the President
  
• A Legislature with two houses was established
• The Upper House or the executive counsel was
  appointed by the United States
• The lower house or the chamber of delegates was
  elected by the Puerto Rican people
• An elected resident commissioner became a non
  voting member in the US House of Representatives
  and represented the islands interest
• All federal laws of the United States were to be
  in effect on the island

9
Economic result

• The act contained two economic provisions which
  are still enforced today.
• Puerto Rico was exempt from federal taxes.
• A duty free trade was established between Puerto
  Rico and the United States.

10
Were the Actions Beneficial
?

• The Foracker act was beneficial to both sides.
• It gave the Puerto Ricans a sense of self
  government.
• It gave the US control over the major political
  issues of the new country.

11
Superman
or
Mafia Don
?

• In this case, the US government acted as a mafia
  don
• While it granted the Puerto Ricans a false sense
  of self government over themselves and their
  people..
• It gave the US control over the major
  government positions.

12
Where is Puerto Rico???????
13
Works Cited

• Facts on File
• Facts On File Online Databases
• Foraker Act
• www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/foraker.html
• The Americans Text Book
• Dictionary.com
• http//dictionary.reference.com/browse/Imperialism