The History of Puerto Rico
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Description
Introduces readers to the geography and human history of one of the largest islands in the Caribbean.
Now in its second edition, The History of Puerto Rico is a richly informed and thoughtful introduction to the fourth-largest Caribbean island and its peoples. Beginning with an overview of the island's earliest inhabitants and placing particular emphasis on the pre-colonial Taino culture, the book explores Puerto Rico's long history as a colony, first under Spain and then as an unincorporated U.S. territory with varying degrees of autonomy. Going beyond the usual listing of important historical figures and government officials, readers will learn how Puerto Rico's Indigenous peoples and working classes have worked together to survive and maintain their cultures and traditions under colonial rule for more than 5 centuries. A new section outlines ongoing efforts to determine how, when, or if Puerto Rico will gain statehood or independence, and a revised conclusion examines the most pressing challenges - including income inequality, a debt crisis, and climate change - facing the island today.
Table of Contents
Preface to the Second Edition
Timeline of Historical Events
Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Puerto Rico and Its People
3. Borinquen: Origins and Encounter, 4000 BCE–1500 CE
4. Spanish Colony: From San Juan Bautista to Puerto Rico, 1493–1800
5. Spanish Province: Autonomy Thwarted, 1800–1898
6. U.S. Territory: Military Occupation and Insular Government, 1898–1948
7. Commonwealth: The Freely Associated State of Puerto Rico, 1948–1967
8. State of Transition: After Operation Bootstrap, 1968–1996
9. An Economy in Crisis: Debt and Migration, 1997–2015
10. Puerto Rico in the Trump Era and Beyond: Bankruptcy, Corruption, and Renewal, 2016–2023
11. The Status Question: Should Puerto Rico Be a State, Territory, or Independent Nation?
Notable People in the History of Puerto Rico
Glossary of Selected Terms
Bibliographical Essay
Index
Product details
| Published | 13 Nov 2025 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (PDF) |
| Edition | 2nd |
| Extent | 256 |
| ISBN | 9781440878046 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Series | Histories of the Modern Nations |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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