Why did the US gain Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico first became a U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War, which was ignited by the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898. The war ended with the U.S. acquiring many of Spain’s possessions, including Cuba, Guam, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.

What did the US gain from annexing Puerto Rico?

The treaty granted independence to Cuba, the transfer of power of Guam (in the Western Pacific Ocean) and Puerto Rico to the US, and the sale of the Philippines to the US for $20 million. Puerto Ricans were granted full US citizenship in 1917, and in 1948 they were able to elect their own governor.

How did Puerto Rico gain independence?

After four hundred years of colonial rule by the Spanish Empire, Puerto Rico finally received its sovereignty in 1897 through a Carta de Autonomía (Charter of Autonomy). It was signed by Spanish Prime Minister Práxedes Mateo Sagasta and ratified by the Spanish Cortes.

Was Puerto Rico annexed by the United States?

U.S. victory in the war produced a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims on Cuba, and to cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict.

What did the US gain from the Spanish-American War?

What happened to Puerto Rico as a result of the Spanish-American War?

The United States was ceded Puerto Rico and Guam, liquidated its possessions in the West Indies, agreed to pay 20 million dollars for the Phillippines, while Cuba became independent.

What did the U.S. gain from the Spanish-American War?

How did the US gain its territories?

The United States has acquired new island territories through cession, purchase, and occupation, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. The territories gained by the U.S. through occupation were primarily small islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.