2017 referendum

When did Puerto Rico become a U.S. territory?

They reached their goal in 1897; however, a year later, Spain ceded the island to the United States under the provisions of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War. In 1917, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory and its people became U.S. citizens.

Why Puerto Rico is not a state?

The political status of Puerto Rico is that of an unincorporated territory of the United States. As such, the island of Puerto Rico is neither a sovereign nation nor a U.S. state. The political status of the island thus stems from how different Puerto Rico is politically from sovereign nations and from U.S. states.

How did Puerto Rico become part of the United States?

For 400 years, Puerto Rico was under Spanish colonial rule. On July 25, 1898, U.S. troops invaded Puerto Rico and occupied it during the months of the Spanish-American War. When the Treaty of Paris was signed in December, ending the war, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States.

How long has Puerto Rico been part of the United States?

Puerto Rico, an island in the Caribbean Sea, has been a territory of the United States since 1898, after the U.S. defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war. It’s classified as an “unincorporated territory,” meaning the island is controlled by the U.S. government but is separate from the mainland.

When did Guam become part of the United States?

As part of their campaign during the Spanish-American War, the United States captured Guam in a bloodless landing on June 21, 1898. In 1898, the Treaty of Paris formalized the handover, and Guam officially came under U.S. rule.

Why is DC not a state?

Washington, DC, isn’t a state; it’s a district. Congress established the federal district in 1790 to serve as the nation’s capital, from land belonging to the states of Maryland and Virginia. The Constitution dictates that the federal district be under the jurisdiction of the US Congress.

What is the 51st state of America?

On May 15, 2013, Resident Commissioner Pierluisi introduced H.R. 2000 to Congress to “set forth the process for Puerto Rico to be admitted as a state of the Union”, asking for Congress to vote on ratifying Puerto Rico as the 51st state.

Why did the United States want Puerto Rico?

The strategic value of Puerto Rico for the United States at the end of the nineteenth century centered in economic and military interests. The island’s value to US policy makers was as an outlet for excess manufactured goods, as well as a key naval station in the Caribbean.

Has Puerto Rico ever voted for independence?

In a status referendum in 2012, 5.5% voted for independence while Statehood obtained 61.1% of the votes cast. The fifth plebiscite was held on June 11, 2017. With a voter turnout of 23%, it had the lowest turnout of any status referendum held in Puerto Rico.