United States and the Independence of Puerto Rico, 1808-1830

Abstract

This study concerns the historical and political causes that prevented the independence of Puerto Rico during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. It also entails an examination ofthe evolutionary aspects of the Puerto Rican independence movement; the history of the political relations between Spain and Puerto Rico during this period; a discussion of the influences exercised by the United States and the European powers in the Caribbean; and provides insight into the factors that shaped present day Puerto Rican politics. Although this study ends in 1830, the struggle for the political independence of Puerto Rico still continues. While many important changes have been made in the political status of Puerto Rico during the past twenty-five years, many Puerto Ricans are still not satisfied with the present political conditions of the island. These individuals, continuing a tradition that began in the second decade of the nineteenth century, feel that independence is the only available path for the political future of Puerto Rico. In the preparation of this thesis many sources were used, many of them dating from the first half of the nineteenth century. The author desires to take this opportunity to express his sincerest appreciation to the many individuals in the library of the Oklahoma State University who gave so generously of their time to assist in the location of important documents used in the preparation of this thesis. The writer also wants to acknowledge his indebtedness to the historical works of Professors Lidio Cruz-Monclova, Loida Figueroa, and Arturo F. Santana from the University of Puerto Rico. These historical writings served as a guide during the initial search for original sources on the history of Puerto Rico.