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Granted Autonomy
Puerto became a self- governing community. They elected delegates to both houses of the Spanish courts. 35 members of the local government were Puerto Rican and 8 out of 15 members of the local administration council were also Puerto Rican. -
Period: to
Puerto Rico
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Spanish- American War Begins
The Spanish-American War began when the U.S. declared war on Spain. -
U.S. Invasion
General Nelson A. Miles and his troops came in through Guanica, the island's southerwestern shore. Spanish forces retreated out of the area. -
Puerto Rican Goverment Changed
The Puerto Rican government changed from autonomous to an American military governement. General John Brooke became the first American governor of Puerto Rico. -
Official End of Spanish-American War
The Treaty of Paris was signed and Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to America. -
U.S. Changes Government Again
The U.S. Government changed the military government in Puerto Rico to a civil government with the Foraker Law. A new governor, cabinet, and Higher House fo Delegates (which is like the Senate) were apoointed by the president of the Unites States and American legislature. This caused distress of the Puerto Ricans because they had no vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. -
Jones Law
U.S. President, Woodrow Wilson signed Jones Law which grants American Citizenship to Puerto Ricans. It gives them liberty of speech, freedom of press, presumptionm of innocence until proven guily, etc. The Senate was composed of 19 Senators and 39 members of the House of Representatives that were elected by popular vote. The governor was chosen by the U.S. President. America still had the right to veto any law approved by the Puerto Rico Congress.