Chapter 22: The Quest for Empire, 1865-1914





The following activities accompany the Legacy for a People and a Nation on "The Status of Puerto Rico" in Chapter 22. Refer to page 631 of Norton, A People and a Nation, Sixth Edition for the complete text of this Legacy. There are three parts to this web page: Questions to Consider, Investigation, and Further Exploration.




Questions to Consider
1. What are the issues when Puerto Ricans debate their political identity?

2. How would a Puerto Rican decision for statehood affect Americans or American corporations on the mainland?

3. How would you define U.S. interests in Puerto Rico?


Investigation
Can the United States legitimately maintain its current governing status over Puerto Rico? In 1998 the majority of Puerto Ricans who voted in a non-binding referendum voted against all options. The options included statehood, independence, and commonwealth status. As either the chief political or economic advisor to the Puerto Rican Governor, what would you outline as the next steps to be taken by Puerto Rico? Read A Heritage Foundation Memorandum cautioning against Puerto Rican statehood. Follow the ideas of the largest U.S. chapter of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights.




Further Exploration
1. Read about election results on the status of Puerto Rico since 1920, including the 1998 Status Plebiscites discussed above.

2. A New York Times editorial helps clarify disputes related to the 1998 Puerto Rican referendum on independence.

3. A representative of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), provides FAQs on Puerto Rican independence.

4. Hijos de Borinquen, a New York based education and civic organization, counters 51 myths it alleges are tied to deception and political manipulation.

5. Congressman Carlos Romero-Barcelo gives us an introduction to Puerto Rico.