/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/trainkorpus/30/file_175.html NN ----------------------------------------- : Search NP View NP Puerto NP Rico NP Article NP View NP To TO find VV a DT specific JJ word NN , , name NN , , or CC topic NN in IN this DT article NN , , select VV the DT option NN in IN your PP$ Web NP browser NN for IN finding VVG within IN the DT page NN . SENT In IN Internet NN Explorer NN , , this DT option NN is VBZ under IN the DT Edit VV menu NN . SENT The DT search NN seeks VVZ the DT exact JJ word NN or CC phrase NN that IN you PP type NN , , so RB if IN you PP don VV t NN find VV your PP$ choice NN , , try VVP searching VVG for IN a DT key JJ word NN in IN your PP$ topic NN or CC recheck VV the DT spelling NN of IN a DT word NN or CC name NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP I PP . SENT Introduction NN Puerto NP Rico NP , , freely RB associated VVN commonwealth NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS , , composed VVN of IN one CD large JJ , , densely RB populated VVN island NN and CC several JJ small JJ islands NNS in IN the DT West NP Indies NP . SENT Officially RB the DT Commonwealth NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP Spanish NP Estado NP Libre NP Asociado NP de NP Puerto NP Rico NP , , it PP forms VVZ part NN of IN the DT Greater NP Antilles NP along IN with IN the DT islands NNS of IN Cuba NP , , Hispaniola NP , , and CC Jamaica NP . SENT San NP Juan NP , , on IN the DT northeastern JJ coast NN , , is VBZ Puerto NP Rico NP s PP capital NN , , chief JJ port NN , , and CC largest JJS city NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD a DT Spanish JJ colony NN for IN almost RB four CD centuries NNS until IN it PP was VBD ceded VVN to TO the DT United NP States NPS following VVG the DT Spanish JJ American JJ War NP 1898 CD . SENT Today NN , , it PP remains VVZ geographically RB and CC culturally RB part NN of IN Latin NP America NP despite IN its PP$ close JJ ties NNS to TO the DT United NP States NPS . SENT Almost RB all DT residents NNS speak VVP Spanish JJ as IN their PP$ primary JJ language NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ Spanish JJ for IN rich JJ port NN . SENT The DT name NN was VBD first RB applied VVN to TO its PP$ capital NN , , known VVN as IN San NP Juan NP Bautista NP de NP Puerto NP Rico NP , , in IN the DT 16 CD th NN century NN . SENT Gradually RB the DT capital NN city NN came VVD to TO be VB called VVN San NP Juan NP and CC the DT island NN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ sometimes RB called VVN the DT Island NP of IN Enchantment NN . SENT Since IN the DT arrival NN of IN European JJ settlers NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP in IN the DT late JJ 1400 CD s PP , , foreign JJ powers NNS have VHP played VVN an DT important JJ role NN on IN the DT island NN . SENT Spanish JJ colonial JJ administrators NNS ruled VVN with IN little JJ input NN from IN residents NNS . SENT When WRB Puerto NP Rico NP became VVD a DT territorial JJ possession NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS in IN 1898 CD , , the DT United NP States NPS appointed VVD almost RB all PDT the DT governing VVG officials NNS on IN the DT island NN . SENT Although IN the DT United NP States NPS extended VVD U NP . SENT S NP . SENT citizenship NN to TO Puerto NP Ricans NP in IN 1917 CD , , Puerto NP Rico NP remained VVD a DT territorial JJ possession NN . SENT During IN the DT first JJ half NN of IN the DT 20 CD th NN century NN , , many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP were VBD dissatisfied VVN with IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT rule NN , , and CC a DT growing VVG movement NN for IN independence NN or CC at IN least JJS for IN self NN government NN in IN local JJ matters NNS began VVD . SENT In IN 1952 CD Puerto NP Rico NP achieved VVD local JJ self NN government NN when WRB it PP became VVD a DT commonwealth NN . SENT Under IN the DT provisions NNS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP constitution NN , , residents NNS elect VVP a DT governor NN and CC legislators NNS who WP control VVP local JJ matters NNS on IN the DT island NN , , and CC the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT government NN maintains VVZ jurisdiction NN over IN the DT island NN s PP defense NN , , foreign JJ relations NNS , , and CC trade NN agreements NNS . SENT Since IN 1952 CD Puerto NP Ricans NP have VHP debated VVN whether IN the DT island NN should MD remain VV a DT commonwealth NN , , attempt VVP to TO become VV the DT 51 CD st NP state NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS , , or CC become VV an DT independent JJ nation NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ held VVN a DT number NN of IN referenda NNS on IN this DT issue NN . SENT The DT vast JJ majority NN of IN voters NNS remain VVP closely RB split VV between IN commonwealth NN status NN and CC statehood NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ a DT pleasant JJ tropical JJ climate NN . SENT On IN the DT main JJ island NN , , a DT fertile JJ coastal JJ plain NN surrounds VVZ a DT mountainous JJ interior NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP s PP topography NN and CC climate NN have VHP made VVN it PP an DT excellent JJ place NN to TO produce VV crops NNS such JJ as IN sugar NN and CC coffee NN for IN export NN to TO other JJ countries NNS . SENT These DT export NN crops NNS began VVD to TO play VV a DT major JJ role NN in IN the DT island NN s PP economy NN by IN the DT end NN of IN the DT 18 CD th NN century NN . SENT They PP provided VVD money NN for IN Spain NP , , but CC they PP did VVD not RB help VV develop VV a DT balanced JJ , , diversified JJ economy NN . SENT For IN most JJS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP history NN , , the DT economy NN was VBD heavily RB dependent JJ on IN outside JJ markets NNS and CC sharp JJ fluctuations NNS in IN demand NN and CC prices NNS . SENT The DT island NN s PP economic JJ circumstances NNS improved VVN after IN World NP War NP II NP 1939 CD 1945 CD , , when WRB the DT island NN undertook VVD a DT program NN to TO develop VV light JJ manufacturing NN and CC to TO improve VV service NN industries NNS such JJ as IN banking NN . SENT Tourism NP also RB became VVD a DT major JJ industry NN , , annually RB attracting VVG millions NNS of IN visitors NNS . SENT Nevertheless RB , , the DT economy NN remained VVD heavily RB dependent JJ on IN outside JJ markets NNS , , tourists NNS , , and CC various JJ subsidies NNS from IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT When WRB the DT United NP States NPS suffered VVD a DT recession NN in IN the DT 1980 CD s PP , , the DT result NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD high JJ unemployment NN , , and CC many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP migrated VVD to TO the DT mainland JJ United NP States NPS in IN search NN of IN opportunity NN . SENT In IN the DT early JJ 21 CD st NP century NN , , however RB , , many JJ mainland NN Puerto NP Ricans NP returned VVD to TO the DT island NN to TO establish VV businesses NNS , , work NN in IN industry NN and CC other JJ areas NNS of IN the DT economy NN , , or CC reside VV as IN retirees NNS . SENT II NP . SENT Physical JJ Geography NN Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ the DT easternmost JJ island NN of IN the DT Greater NP Antilles NP . SENT It PP is VBZ bounded VVN by IN the DT Atlantic NP Ocean NP on IN the DT north NN and CC the DT Caribbean NP Sea NP on IN the DT south NN . SENT Mona NP Passage NP separates VVZ Puerto NP Rico NP from IN the DT Dominican NP Republic NP on IN the DT island NN of IN Hispaniola NP to TO the DT west NN . SENT the DT Vieques NP Passage NP separates VVZ it PP from IN its PP$ island NN of IN Vieques NP to TO the DT east JJ . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ located VVN 1 CD , , 600 CD km NN 1 CD , , 000 CD mi NN southeast NN of IN Florida NP , , and CC about RB 965 CD km NN 600 CD mi NN north NN of IN Caracas NP , , Venezuela NP . SENT The DT Virgin NP Islands NPS lie VVP about IN 65 CD km NN 40 CD mi NN to TO the DT east RB see VVP Virgin NP Islands NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT British NP Virgin NP Islands NPS . SENT The DT total JJ area NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , including VVG its PP$ three CD largest JJS offshore JJ islands NNS , , is VBZ 13 CD , , 792 CD sq JJ km NN 5 CD , , 325 CD sq JJ mi NN . SENT The DT main JJ island NN is VBZ shaped VVN like IN a DT rectangle NN , , with IN a DT maximum JJ length NN from IN east JJ to TO west NN from IN Punta NP Puerca NP to TO Punta NP Higuero NP of IN 180 CD km NN 110 CD mi NN and CC with IN a DT maximum JJ width NN from IN north NN to TO south NN from IN Isabella NP to TO Punta NP Col NN n NN of IN 65 CD km NN 40 CD mi NN . SENT Hills NP and CC steep JJ mountains NNS cover VVP three CD fourths NNS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT A DT narrow JJ coastal JJ plain NN and CC some DT inland RB valleys NNS provide VVP the DT only RB low JJ lying VVG terrain NN . SENT The DT central JJ mountain NN chain NN is VBZ the DT Cordillera NN Central NP , , which WDT extends VVZ east JJ and CC west JJ and CC divides VVZ the DT island NN into IN its PP$ northern JJ and CC southern JJ regions NNS . SENT Other JJ mountain NN ranges NNS include VVP Sierra NP de NP Luquillo NP in IN the DT northeast NN , , Sierra NP de NP Cayey NP in IN the DT southeast NN , , and CC Sierra NP Bermeja NP in IN the DT southwest NN . SENT The DT highest JJS point NN on IN the DT island NN is VBZ Cerro NP de NP Punta NP 1 CD , , 338 CD m NN 4 CD , , 390 CD ft NP in IN the DT central JJ part NN of IN the DT island NN . SENT The DT most RBS famous JJ peak NN is VBZ El NP Yunque NP Spanish NP for IN the DT Anvil NN , , which WDT rises VVZ 1 CD , , 066 CD m NN 3 CD , , 496 CD ft NP above IN sea NN level NN in IN the DT Sierra NP de NP Luquillo NP . SENT El NP Yunque NP is VBZ part NN of IN the DT Caribbean NP National NP Forest NP , , and CC it PP has VHZ a DT tropical JJ rain NN forest NN , , which WDT is VBZ a DT favorite JJ tourist NN attraction NN . SENT The DT coastal JJ plain NN , , which WDT rings VVZ the DT mountains NNS , , is VBZ about RB 16 CD km NN 10 CD mi NN wide JJ in IN the DT north NN and CC about RB 13 CD km NN 8 CD mi NN wide JJ along IN the DT southern JJ coast NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP possesses VVZ several JJ offshore JJ islands NNS , , the DT largest JJS of IN which WDT are VBP Vieques NP , , Culebra NP , , and CC Mona NP . SENT Vieques NP , , which WDT lies VVZ to TO the DT east JJ , , is VBZ the DT largest JJS population NN , , 2000 CD , , 9 CD , , 106 CD . SENT Its PP$ only JJ urban JJ center NN is VBZ Isabel NP Segunda NP . SENT North NP of IN Vieques NP is VBZ the DT smaller JJR island NN of IN Culebra NP 1 CD , , 868 CD . SENT Its PP$ main JJ town NN is VBZ Dewey NP . SENT The DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Fish NP and CC Wildlife NP Service NP protects VVZ much RB of IN the DT island NN as IN a DT natural JJ preserve VV . SENT The DT third JJ island NN , , Mona NP , , lies VVZ to TO the DT southwest JJS in IN the DT Mona NP Passage NP . SENT Much RB smaller JJR than IN Vieques NP or CC Culebra NP , , Mona NP Island NP is VBZ uninhabited JJ and CC is VBZ known VVN for IN its PP$ marine JJ life NN . SENT A DT . SENT Rivers NP Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ many RB relatively RB short JJ rivers NNS and CC streams NNS . SENT Some DT of IN the DT rivers NNS are VBP dammed VVN for IN hydroelectric JJ power NN and CC thus RB have VH small JJ lakes NNS along IN their PP$ courses NNS . SENT One CD such JJ body NN of IN water NN is VBZ Lago NP de NP Yauco NP , , on IN the DT Yauco NP River NP . SENT The DT longest JJS river NN is VBZ the DT Grande NP de NP Arecibo NP , , which WDT flows VVZ to TO the DT northern JJ coast NN . SENT Other JJ rivers NNS include VVP the DT Grande NP de NP A DT asco NN , , Bayam NP n NN , , Cibuco NP , , Culebrinas NP , , La NP Plata NP , , and CC Lo NP za NP . SENT None NN of IN the DT rivers NNS is VBZ navigable JJ by IN large JJ vessels NNS . SENT B LS . SENT Coastline NN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP coastline NN is VBZ well RB known VVN for IN its PP$ beaches NNS . SENT It PP measures VVZ some DT 500 CD km NN 310 CD mi NN and CC has VHZ few JJ inlets NNS , , natural JJ harbors NNS , , or CC protected JJ bays NNS . SENT The DT ocean NN around IN the DT island NN is VBZ very RB deep JJ . SENT the DT Puerto NP Rico NP Trench NP , , north RB of IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , is VBZ 8 CD , , 605 CD m NN 28 CD , , 231 CD ft NP below IN sea NN level NN at IN its PP$ greatest JJS depth NN . SENT This DT is VBZ the DT deepest JJS known VVN point NN in IN the DT Atlantic NP Ocean NP . SENT C SYM . SENT Climate NN Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ an DT agreeable JJ climate NN . SENT It PP is VBZ tropical JJ at IN the DT lower JJR elevations NNS and CC subtropical JJ at IN the DT higher JJR elevations NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ little JJ difference NN from IN season NN to TO season NN , , and CC the DT length NN of IN the DT day NN remains VVZ fairly RB constant JJ throughout IN the DT year NN . SENT San NP Juan NP has VHZ a DT mean JJ July NP temperature NN of IN 28 CD C NP 83 CD F NN and CC a DT mean JJ January NP temperature NN of IN 25 CD C NP 77 CD F NN . SENT The DT average JJ temperature NN of IN the DT seawater NN surrounding VVG the DT island NN is VBZ 27 CD C NP 81 CD F NN , , with IN little JJ variation NN during IN the DT course NN of IN the DT year NN . SENT The DT entire JJ island NN is VBZ cooled VVN by IN the DT trade NN winds NNS from IN the DT northeast NN . SENT This DT air NN also RB contains VVZ much JJ water NN vapor NN . SENT As IN the DT air NN is VBZ forced VVN to TO rise VV over RP the DT mountains NNS , , it PP becomes VVZ cooler JJR and CC the DT water NN vapor NN condenses VVZ and CC falls VVZ as IN rain NN . SENT San NP Juan NP receives VVZ an DT average NN of IN 1 CD , , 330 CD mm NP 52 CD in IN of IN precipitation NN each DT year NN . SENT The DT mountain NN areas NNS receive VVP more JJR rain NN than IN almost RB any DT other JJ part NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS , , with IN more JJR than IN 5 CD , , 100 CD mm NP 200 CD in IN falling VVG each DT year NN at IN El NP Yunque NP . SENT The DT southwestern JJ coastal JJ area NN generally RB receives VVZ the DT least JJS rain NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC has VHZ a DT distinct JJ dry JJ season NN from IN December NP to TO March NP . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ sometimes RB struck VVN by IN damaging JJ hurricanes NNS traveling VVG from IN the DT east JJ , , especially RB from IN August NP to TO October NP . SENT D SYM . SENT Plant NN and CC Animal JJ Life NN Most JJS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP original JJ forests NNS were VBD logged VVN by IN the DT beginning NN of IN the DT 20 CD th NN century NN . SENT The DT government NN began VVD a DT replanting NN effort NN in IN the DT 1930 CD s PP . SENT A DT commercial JJ reforestation NN program NN has VHZ also RB created VVN a DT modest JJ commercial JJ reserve NN of IN tropical JJ hardwoods NNS , , including VVG mahogany NN , , ebony NN , , laurel NN , , and CC satinwood NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP contains VVZ thousands NNS of IN species NNS of IN tropical JJ shrubs NNS and CC trees NNS , , including VVG colorful JJ bougainvilleas NNS , , poinsettias NNS , , and CC Sierra NP palms NNS . SENT There EX are VBP giant JJ coconut JJ palms NNS , , mangroves NNS , , and CC bamboo NN trees NNS . SENT Orchids NNS and CC giant JJ ferns NNS grow VVP in IN the DT rain NN forest NN of IN El NP Yunque NP . SENT Brilliantly RB hued JJ poinciana NN trees NNS border NN most RBS of IN the DT older JJR rural JJ roads NNS , , lending VVG the DT flaming JJ red JJ color NN of IN their PP$ blossoms NNS to TO the DT landscape NN in IN June NP . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ very RB little JJ wildlife NN and CC few JJ birds NNS . SENT The DT mongoose NN , , introduced VVD to TO control VV rats NNS on IN the DT sugar NN plantations NNS , , is VBZ fairly RB abundant JJ . SENT There EX are VBP nightingales NNS and CC sparrow NN like IN birds NNS called VVD gorriones NNS . SENT The DT coqu NN , , a DT tiny JJ tree NN frog NN that WDT sings VVZ at IN night NN like IN a DT bird NN , , leads VVZ many JJ visitors NNS to TO suppose VV that IN the DT island NN is VBZ filled VVN with IN nightingales NNS . SENT In IN the DT waters NNS surrounding VVG Puerto NP Rico NP there RB are VBP a DT number NN of IN different JJ game NN fish NN , , including VVG tuna NN , , blue JJ marlin NNS , , bonefish NNS , , and CC amberjack NN . SENT Both CC the DT federal JJ and CC commonwealth NN governments NNS have VHP stepped VVN up RP efforts NNS to TO preserve VV the DT island NN s PP animal NN and CC plant NN life NN . SENT Reserves NNS of IN special JJ note NN include VVP the DT Caribbean NP National NP Forest NP , , known VVN as IN El NP Yunque NP , , a DT tropical JJ rain NN forest NN in IN the DT Sierra NP de NP Luquillo NP Mountains NP . SENT Las NP Cabezas NP de NP San NP Juan NP Nature NP Reserve NP on IN the DT northeast JJ coast NN . SENT and CC the DT Carite NP Forest NP Reserve NP in IN the DT southeast NN . SENT On IN the DT southwest JJS tip NN of IN the DT island NN , , La NP Parguera NP Natural NP Reserve NP has VHZ a DT phosphorescent JJ bay NN that WDT glows VVZ at IN night NN because IN of IN tiny JJ sea NN creatures NNS that WDT give VVP off RP a DT green JJ light NN when WRB their PP$ bodies NNS are VBP disturbed VVN . SENT The DT island NN of IN Culebra NP is VBZ home NN to TO the DT Culebra NP National NP Wildlife NP Refuge NP . SENT III NP . SENT Economy NN For IN its PP$ first JJ 250 CD years NNS as IN a DT Spanish JJ colony NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD largely RB a DT military JJ establishment NN fortified VVN to TO protect VV the DT sea NN lanes NNS between IN Spain NP and CC its PP$ American JJ colonies NNS . SENT Most JJS farms NNS were VBD small JJ , , and CC farmers NNS raised VVD subsistence NN crops NNS , , such JJ as IN vegetables NNS , , rice NN , , plantains NNS , , and CC corn NN . SENT By IN the DT end NN of IN the DT 18 CD th NN century NN , , export NN crops NNS began VVD to TO play VV an DT important JJ role NN in IN the DT economy NN . SENT Puerto NP Ricans NP exported VVD sugar NN , , coffee NN , , tobacco NN , , and CC cotton NN , , as RB well RB as IN meat NN , , animal NN hides NNS , , and CC other JJ items NNS . SENT The DT economy NN grew VVD during IN the DT 19 CD th NN century NN , , but CC agriculture NN remained VVD dominant JJ . SENT Coffee NN , , tobacco NN , , and CC sugar NN became VVD the DT most RBS valuable JJ export NN crops NNS during IN the DT 19 CD th NN century NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP traded VVD mostly RB with IN Spain NP and CC other JJ European JJ nations NNS . SENT When WRB the DT United NP States NPS gained VVD control NN of IN the DT island NN following VVG the DT Spanish JJ American NP War NP , , it PP became VVD the DT new JJ market NN for IN the DT island NN s PP coffee NN . SENT However RB , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT residents NNS were VBD used VVN to TO the DT weaker JJR Brazilian JJ coffee NN bean NN and CC did VVD not RB appreciate VV the DT richer JJR , , stronger JJR Puerto NP Rican JJ variety NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD also RB struck VVN by IN two CD hurricanes NNS in IN 1899 CD and CC 1928 CD , , which WDT decimated VVN the DT island NN s PP coffee NN crops NNS . SENT As IN a DT result NN , , sugar NN replaced VVD coffee NN as IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP main JJ export NN crop NN after IN 1900 CD . SENT The DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT government NN allowed VVD the DT island NN s PP sugar NN to TO enter VV the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT market NN tax NN free JJ . SENT United NP States NP financiers NNS invested VVD heavily RB in IN Puerto NP Rican JJ sugar NN estates NNS . SENT By IN 1930 CD the DT island NN s PP sugar NN production NN had VHD risen VVN by IN a DT thousand CD percent NN , , and CC almost RB all RB of IN it PP was VBD exported VVN to TO the DT United NP States NPS . SENT By IN 1940 CD the DT sugar NN industry NN employed VVN 25 CD percent NN of IN the DT island NN s PP labor NN force NN . SENT As IN the DT sugar NN industry NN grew VVD , , corporations NNS bought VVD large JJ tracts NNS of IN land NN for IN sugar NN estates NNS . SENT Many JJ of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP independent JJ , , land NN owning NN farmers NNS went VVD out RP of IN business NN because IN they PP could MD not RB compete VV with IN the DT corporations NNS . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP transformed VVD its PP$ economy NN after IN World NP War NP II NP 1939 CD 1945 CD . SENT In IN an DT attempt NN to TO make VV the DT island NN less RBR dependent JJ upon IN agriculture NN and CC to TO increase VV employment NN opportunities NNS , , Puerto NP Rico NP s PP leaders NNS decided VVD to TO emphasize VV industrial JJ development NN . SENT With IN the DT help NN of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT federal JJ government NN , , in IN 1947 CD the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ government NN established VVN Operation NN Bootstrap NN , , a DT program NN of IN governmental JJ support NN for IN industry NN through IN tax NN breaks NNS . SENT The DT government NN hoped VVD to TO attract VV industries NNS that WDT would MD import VV goods NNS to TO the DT island NN to TO be VB finished VVN for IN export NN . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican JJ government NN also RB worked VVD to TO develop VV the DT tourist NN industry NN . SENT It PP invested VVD directly RB in IN the DT construction NN of IN the DT Caribe NP Hilton NP , , a DT large JJ hotel NN in IN San NP Juan NP that WDT received VVD immediate JJ international JJ recognition NN . SENT In IN addition NN to TO its PP$ economy NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP worked VVD to TO improve VV its PP$ health NN services NNS , , housing NN , , education NN , , and CC electric JJ power NN . SENT Operation NN Bootstrap NN was VBD a DT success NN . SENT It PP brought VVD many JJ industrial JJ companies NNS to TO Puerto NP Rico NP and CC created VVN thousands NNS of IN jobs NNS . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP transformed VVD from IN an DT underdeveloped JJ island NN into IN an DT industrialized JJ area NN and CC an DT important JJ overseas JJ markets NNS for IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT By IN 1965 CD Puerto NP Ricans NP enjoyed VVD the DT highest JJS per IN capita NN income NN average JJ individual JJ income NN in IN Latin NP America NP . SENT Economic JJ improvements NNS were VBD visible JJ everywhere RB in IN the DT form NN of IN new JJ housing NN , , public JJ buildings NNS , , and CC service NN facilities NNS . SENT new JJ and CC improved JJ roads NNS and CC communications NNS . SENT modern JJ factories NNS . SENT and CC the DT availability NN of IN a DT higher JJR quantity NN and CC quality NN of IN food NN and CC clothing NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP s PP economy NN experienced VVD a DT downturn NN in IN the DT mid JJ 1970 CD s PP . SENT A DT severe JJ recession NN in IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT economy NN resulted VVD in IN fewer JJR U NP . SENT S NP . SENT purchases NNS and CC investments NNS and CC a DT decline NN in IN tourism NN on IN the DT island NN . SENT At IN the DT same JJ time NN , , worldwide JJ inflation NN made VVD imported JJ goods NNS , , especially RB oil NN , , more RBR expensive JJ . SENT Moreover RB , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT minimum JJ wage NN laws NNS and CC the DT island NN s PP increased VVD prosperity NN had VHD resulted VVN in IN a DT higher JJR wage NN level NN . SENT Higher JJR wages NNS made VVD Puerto NP Rico NP less RBR able JJ to TO compete VV with IN other JJ developing VVG areas NNS for IN labor NN intensive JJ , , low JJ capital NN industries NNS . SENT After IN rising VVG steadily RB for IN years NNS , , the DT gross JJ domestic JJ product NN GDP NP , , the DT total JJ value NN of IN goods NNS and CC services NNS produced VVN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC total JJ employment NN declined VVD in IN 1975 CD . SENT However RB , , even RB during IN the DT boom NN years NNS , , unemployment NN remained VVD high JJ , , generally RB ranging VVG from IN 10 CD to TO 13 CD percent NN of IN the DT labor NN force NN . SENT By IN the DT mid JJ 1970 CD s PP , , the DT official JJ unemployment NN rate NN had VHD reached VVN 20 CD percent NN . SENT In IN the DT late JJ 1970 CD s PP the DT economy NN made VVD some DT progress NN , , only RB to TO be VB buffeted VVN by IN recession NN again RB in IN the DT early JJ 1980 CD s PP . SENT By IN the DT mid JJ 1980 CD s PP , , the DT island NN s PP economy NN began VVD to TO recover VV . SENT It PP benefited VVD when WRB the DT United NP States NPS increased VVD its PP$ investment NN to TO the DT region NN through IN the DT Caribbean NP Basin NP Initiative NP , , a DT program NN providing VVG tax NN free JJ access NN to TO U NP . SENT S NP . SENT markets NNS for IN certain JJ products NNS from IN the DT Caribbean JJ region NN . SENT However RB , , in IN 1996 CD the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP voted VVD to TO eliminate VV over IN a DT ten CD year NN period NN the DT tax NN incentives NNS for IN American JJ companies NNS investing VVG in IN businesses NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT In IN response NN , , local JJ officials NNS sought VVD to TO further RBR develop VV the DT service NN industry NN , , especially RB tourism NN . SENT In IN 1997 CD 1998 CD , , 76 CD percent NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP labor NN force NN worked VVD in IN the DT services NNS , , 22 CD percent NN worked VVN in IN industry NN , , and CC 2 CD percent NN worked VVN in IN agriculture NN . SENT In IN the DT GDP NP for IN the DT same JJ time NN period NN , , industry NN made VVD up RP 79 CD percent NN , , services NNS made VVD up RP 20 CD percent NN , , and CC agriculture NN made VVD up RP 1 CD percent NN . SENT A DT . SENT Agriculture NP Once RB the DT backbone NN of IN the DT economy NN , , agriculture NN has VHZ become VVN less RBR important JJ in IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT Less JJR land NN is VBZ under IN cultivation NN , , and CC farmers NNS are VBP producing VVG fewer JJR major JJ crops NNS . SENT Farming NN has VHZ stagnated VVD chiefly RB because IN large JJ scale NN investment NN has VHZ gone VVN into IN industry NN rather RB than IN agriculture NN . SENT In IN 1947 CD almost RB 40 CD percent NN of IN the DT labor NN force NN worked VVN on IN farms NNS . SENT Only RB about IN 5 CD percent NN worked VVN on IN farms NNS by IN 1978 CD . SENT by IN 2001 CD agriculture NN employed VVN 2 CD percent NN of IN the DT island NN s PP workforce NN and CC produced VVD less JJR than IN 1 CD percent NN of IN the DT GDP NP . SENT By IN the DT end NN of IN the DT 20 CD th NN century NN , , the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ government NN had VHD encouraged VVN agricultural JJ diversification NN away RB from IN the DT traditional JJ export NN crops NNS of IN coffee NN , , tobacco NN , , and CC sugar NN . SENT By IN the DT 1990 CD s PP dairy NN , , cattle NNS , , and CC poultry NN farming NN had VHD outstripped VVN those DT traditional JJ crops NNS as IN money NN earners NNS . SENT Although IN fruits NNS and CC vegetables NNS were VBD grown VVN for IN local JJ consumption NN and CC tropical JJ fruits NNS were VBD exported VVN to TO Europe NP , , Japan NP , , and CC the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT mainland NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP still RB imported VVD most JJS of IN its PP$ food NN from IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT B LS . SENT Fishing NN and CC Forestry NN Much RB of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP original JJ forest NN cover NN was VBD cut VVN by IN 1900 CD . SENT Despite IN concerted JJ efforts NNS after IN 1935 CD to TO replant NN trees NNS , , the DT forestry NN industry NN remains VVZ small JJ . SENT Commercial JJ fishing NN plays VVZ a DT relatively RB minor JJ role NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP economy NN . SENT Tuna NN species NNS caught VVN include VVP yellowfin NN , , skipjack NN , , and CC bluefin NN . SENT Small JJ scale NN freshwater NN fish NN farming NN is VBZ a DT growing VVG economic JJ activity NN . SENT Fish NN raised VVD include VV bass NN , , bluegill NN , , and CC catfish NN . SENT C LS . SENT Mining NP Almost RB all RB of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP mineral NN production NN consists VVZ of IN construction NN materials NNS , , notably RB sand NN , , gravel NN , , stone NN , , and CC material NN used VVN in IN the DT manufacture NN of IN concrete NN . SENT Other JJ minerals NNS are VBP clay NN , , graphite NN , , lime NN , , and CC salt NN . SENT D SYM . SENT Manufacturing VVG Over IN the DT course NN of IN the DT 1980 CD s PP and CC 1990 CD s PP , , manufacturing VVG s PP portion NN of IN the DT island NN s PP labor NN force NN declined VVD from IN 20 CD percent NN to TO 15 CD percent NN by IN 1999 CD . SENT Nevertheless RB , , manufacturing VVG produced VVN in IN 1999 CD about IN 26 CD billion CD , , which WDT amounted VVD to TO 70 CD percent NN of IN the DT GDP NP . SENT In IN terms NNS of IN employment NN , , one CD of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP leading VVG manufacturing NN industries NNS is VBZ apparel NN making VVG . SENT A DT modern JJ apparel NN industry NN evolved VVN from IN a DT small JJ scale NN labor NN intensive JJ needlework NN industry NN of IN the DT 1940 CD s PP . SENT By IN the DT 1990 CD s VVZ most JJS apparel NN plants NNS were VBD branches NNS of IN mainland JJ U NP . SENT S NP . SENT firms NNS . SENT San NP Juan NP and CC Mayag NP ez NP are VBP the DT leading JJ centers NNS for IN making VVG clothing NN . SENT Large JJ numbers NNS of IN workers NNS also RB produce VVP chemicals NNS , , electronic JJ equipment NN , , and CC processed JJ foods NNS . SENT Other JJ major JJ manufactures VVZ include VV pharmaceuticals NNS , , industrial JJ machinery NN , , printed VVN materials NNS , , rubber NN and CC plastics NNS , , metal NN items NNS , , furniture NN and CC fixtures NNS , , and CC leather NN products NNS . SENT Since IN the DT 1940 CD s PP the DT government NN has VHZ encouraged VVN manufacturing NN by IN offering NN incentives NNS such JJ as IN tax NN exemptions NNS , , loans NNS , , and CC research NN assistance NN . SENT The DT leading JJ government NN agency NN for IN encouraging VVG industrial JJ development NN was VBD the DT Economic NP Development NP Administration NP , , created VVN in IN 1950 CD and CC generally RB known VVN as IN Fomento NP Spanish NP for IN development NN . SENT Fomento NP s PP mandate NN was VBD to TO attract VV manufacturers NNS to TO the DT island NN . SENT To TO carry VV this DT out RP , , Fomento NP sold VVD or CC leased VVD plants NNS on IN favorable JJ terms NNS . SENT In IN addition NN , , the DT government NN waived VVD business NN income NN tax NN dues NNS for IN several JJ years NNS . SENT Many JJ large JJ American JJ manufacturing NN companies NNS established VVD plants NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , attracted VVN by IN tax NN benefits NNS and CC wages NNS that WDT were VBD lower JJR than IN on IN the DT mainland NN . SENT In IN the DT 1990 CD s PP the DT Puerto NP Rican NP Industrial NP Development NP Company NP PRIDCO NP , , a DT subsidiary NN of IN Fomento NP , , became VVD responsible JJ for IN the DT industrial JJ development NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT In IN 1996 CD , , as IN part NN of IN budgetary JJ cutbacks NNS on IN the DT mainland NN , , the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP voted VVD to TO eliminate VV over IN a DT ten CD year NN period NN the DT tax NN incentives NNS for IN American JJ companies NNS investing VVG in IN businesses NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT To TO counteract VV the DT economic JJ losses NNS caused VVN by IN the DT phase NN out RB , , the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ government NN established VVD a DT series NN of IN local JJ tax NN incentives NNS to TO keep VV or CC attract VV new JJ companies NNS to TO the DT island NN . SENT These DT included VVD a DT maximum JJ 7 CD percent NN business NN income NN tax NN rate NN , , tax NN incentives NNS for IN research NN and CC development NN , , and CC deductions NNS for IN the DT costs NNS of IN job NN training NN . SENT E SYM . SENT Tourism NN The DT year NN round NN warm JJ climate NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC its PP$ abundant JJ sunshine NN and CC coastal JJ beaches NNS attract VVP millions NNS of IN tourists NNS each DT year NN . SENT Tourists NNS were VBD an DT insignificant JJ source NN of IN income NN before IN 1940 CD , , but CC the DT Puerto NP Rican NP Tourism NP Company NP has VHZ promoted VVN tourism NN with IN great JJ success NN . SENT A DT little JJ over IN 3 CD . SENT 1 CD million CD tourists NNS visited VVD the DT island NN in IN 1999 CD . SENT Some DT 1 CD . SENT 3 CD million CD tourists NNS arrived VVN via IN cruise NN ships NNS . SENT Their PP$ primary JJ destination NN is VBZ the DT San NP Juan NP area NN , , the DT location NN of IN numerous JJ luxury NN hotels NNS . SENT In IN 1992 CD the DT island NN had VHD 8 CD , , 400 CD hotel NN rooms NNS , , but CC by IN 2001 CD this DT number NN had VHD increased VVN to TO 12 CD , , 400 CD rooms NNS . SENT This DT expansion NN greatly RB helped VVD not RB only RB the DT tourist NN industry NN but CC the DT construction NN industry NN as IN well RB . SENT Tourists NNS spent VVD 815 CD million CD in IN 1999 CD . SENT F SYM . SENT Transportation NP Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ the DT transportation NN hub NN of IN the DT Caribbean NP . SENT The DT island NN s PP international JJ airport NN , , Luis NP Mu NP oz NP Mar NP n NN International NP Airport NP in IN San NP Juan NP , , is VBZ one CD of IN the DT largest JJS and CC busiest JJS in IN the DT Caribbean NP . SENT Local JJ airline NN service NN links VVZ San NP Juan NP with IN the DT other JJ cities NNS on IN the DT island NN as IN well RB as RB with IN various JJ points NNS in IN the DT Caribbean NP . SENT International JJ airlines NNS connect VVP San NP Juan NP with IN the DT Americas NPS and CC Europe NP . SENT The DT San NP Juan NP port NN facility NN is VBZ among IN the DT top JJ ports NNS in IN the DT world NN for IN container NN shipping NN . SENT Although IN transportation NN facilities NNS have VHP been VBN expanded VVN to TO meet VV the DT requirements NNS of IN the DT expanding VVG Puerto NP Rican JJ economy NN , , transportation NN facilities NNS outside JJ of IN San NP Juan NP are VBP generally RB much RB poorer JJR than IN on IN the DT mainland JJ United NP States NPS . SENT Trucks NNS move VVP most RBS internal JJ business NN traffic NN , , and CC the DT island NN s PP limited VVD railroad NN system NN hauls VVZ sugarcane NN . SENT G NP . SENT Communications NNS In IN 2002 CD Puerto NP Rico NP had VHD 47 CD AM NP and CC 32 CD FM JJ radio NN broadcasting NN stations NNS and CC 10 CD television NN stations NNS , , and CC cable NN television NN is VBZ available JJ . SENT The DT commonwealth NN s PP first JJ radio NN station NN , , WKAQ NP in IN San NP Juan NP , , began VVD operations NNS in IN 1922 CD . SENT WKAQ NP TV NP in IN San NP Juan NP , , Puerto NP Rico NP s PP initial JJ television NN station NN , , first RB went VVD on IN the DT air NN in IN 1954 CD . SENT La NP Gaceta NP de NP Puerto NP Rico NP , , the DT island NN s PP first JJ newspaper NN , , was VBD initially RB published VVN in IN 1807 CD . SENT Influential JJ newspapers NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP now RB include VVP the DT Spanish JJ language NN El NP Nuevo NP D NP a DT and CC El NP Vocero NP de NP Puerto NP Rico NP and CC the DT English NP language NN San NP Juan NP Star NP , , all DT published VVN in IN San NP Juan NP . SENT H NP . SENT Trade VV The DT island NN s PP economy NN has VHZ become VVN increasingly RB integrated JJ into IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT economy NN . SENT In IN 1998 CD about IN 90 CD percent NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP exports NNS went VVD to TO the DT mainland NN and CC 60 CD percent NN of IN imports NNS came VVD from IN there RB . SENT Other JJ significant JJ markets NNS are VBP the DT Dominican NP Republic NP , , Japan NP , , Germany NP , , and CC Venezuela NP , , which WDT provides VVZ much RB of IN the DT crude JJ oil NN imported VVN to TO the DT island NN . SENT The DT volume NN of IN trade NN soared VVD and CC the DT makeup NN of IN exports NNS changed VVN drastically RB in IN the DT late JJ 20 CD th NN century NN . SENT In IN 1940 CD exports NNS were VBD valued VVN at IN 92 CD million CD and CC were VBD largely RB made VVN up RP of IN traditional JJ agricultural JJ products NNS , , such JJ as IN sugar NN and CC tobacco NN , , and CC handicrafts NNS , , such JJ as IN needlework NN . SENT In IN 1999 CD exports NNS were VBD valued VVN at IN 28 CD billion CD and CC consisted VVD chiefly RB of IN chemical NN products NNS , , a DT wide JJ variety NN of IN manufactured JJ articles NNS , , refined JJ petroleum NN and CC derivatives NNS , , and CC agricultural JJ products NNS . SENT Imports NNS were VBD valued VVN at IN 21 CD billion CD in IN 1998 CD . SENT Manufactured JJ goods NNS , , chemical NN products NNS , , transport NN equipment NN , , and CC food NN were VBD the DT leading JJ imported JJ commodities NNS . SENT IV NP . SENT People NNS According VVG to TO the DT 2000 CD census NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP had VHD 3 CD , , 808 CD , , 610 CD inhabitants NNS , , an DT increase NN of IN 8 CD . SENT 1 CD percent NN over IN the DT 1990 CD figure NN of IN 3 CD , , 536 CD , , 910 CD . SENT The DT population NN estimate NN for IN 2004 CD was VBD 3 CD , , 897 CD , , 960 CD . SENT The DT average JJ population NN density NN in IN 2004 CD was VBD 435 CD persons NNS per IN sq JJ km NN 1 CD , , 127 CD persons NNS per IN sq JJ mi NN , , a DT higher JJR density NN than IN in IN any DT state NN . SENT In IN 2000 CD whites NNS constituted VVD 80 CD . SENT 5 CD percent NN of IN the DT population NN , , blacks NNS 8 CD percent NN , , Asians NNS 0 CD . SENT 2 CD percent NN , , Native JJ Americans NNS 0 CD . SENT 4 CD percent NN , , and CC those DT of IN mixed JJ heritage NN or CC not RB reporting VVG race NN 11 CD percent NN . SENT Hispanics NPS , , who WP may MD be VB of IN any DT race NN , , were VBD 98 CD . SENT 8 CD percent NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP population NN . SENT Spanish NP and CC English NP are VBP the DT official JJ languages NNS of IN the DT commonwealth NN , , but CC Spanish NP is VBZ the DT primary JJ language NN . SENT Almost RB 75 CD percent NN of IN the DT people NNS are VBP Roman NP Catholic NP . SENT During IN most JJS of IN the DT nearly RB 400 CD years NNS of IN Spanish JJ colonial JJ rule NN , , Puerto NP Rican NP society NN was VBD legally RB divided VVN into IN castes NNS . SENT The DT highest JJS caste NN consisted VVD of IN whites NNS . SENT The DT middle JJ caste NN was VBD composed VVN of IN free JJ blacks NNS and CC mulattos NNS individuals NNS of IN mixed JJ European JJ and CC African JJ descent NN . SENT Slaves NNS made VVD up RP the DT lowest JJS caste NN . SENT Puerto NP Rican NP society NN was VBD also RB divided VVN into IN social JJ classes NNS . SENT Within IN these DT classes NNS , , there EX was VBD more JJR fluidity NN . SENT In IN the DT upper JJ class NN were VBD plantation NN owners NNS , , other JJ large JJ landowners NNS , , wealthy JJ merchants NNS , , and CC leading VVG bureaucrats NNS . SENT The DT middle JJ class NN included VVD small JJ scale NN farmers NNS , , merchants NNS , , artisans NNS , , and CC bureaucrats NNS . SENT The DT lower JJR class NN included VVD unskilled JJ laborers NNS , , artisans NNS , , and CC small JJ storekeepers NNS . SENT Whites NNS were VBD found VVN in IN the DT upper JJ , , middle JJ , , and CC lower JJR classes NNS , , but CC they PP were VBD never RB slaves NNS . SENT The DT clergy NN also RB spanned VVD all DT three CD classes NNS and CC were VBD generally RB white JJ . SENT Free JJ people NNS of IN color NN were VBD generally RB in IN the DT middle NN and CC lower JJR social JJ classes NNS with IN a DT few JJ ascending VVG to TO the DT upper JJ class NN . SENT Slaves NNS did VVD not RB have VH any DT social JJ mobility NN . SENT they PP consistently RB remained VVD at IN the DT bottom NN of IN the DT society NN . SENT Following VVG the DT abolition NN of IN slavery NN in IN 1873 CD , , Puerto NP Rico NP s PP social JJ structure NN changed VVD . SENT The DT sharp JJ division NN between IN classes NNS began VVD to TO blur VV . SENT This DT process NN accelerated VVD after IN the DT economy NN industrialized VVN in IN the DT 1940 CD s PP and CC 1950 CD s PP . SENT By IN the DT early JJ 21 CD st NP century NN , , Puerto NP Ricans NP had VHD increased VVN social JJ mobility NN and CC much RB greater JJR opportunities NNS because IN of IN universal JJ access NN to TO education NN and CC a DT more JJR developed VVN economy NN . SENT Although IN some DT vestiges NNS of IN the DT traditional JJ social JJ structure NN still RB persisted VVD and CC not RB all DT remnants NNS of IN racial JJ prejudice NN were VBD eliminated VVN , , modern JJ society NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP by IN and CC large JJ permitted VVD a DT great JJ deal NN of IN social JJ and CC economic JJ mobility NN . SENT A DT . SENT Population NN Patterns NNS Puerto NP Rico NP s PP rate NN of IN population NN increase NN has VHZ fluctuated VVN considerably RB throughout IN its PP$ history NN , , based VVN largely RB on IN how WRB many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP had VHD emigrated VVD from IN the DT island NN to TO the DT mainland JJ United NP States NPS . SENT Generally RB they PP went VVD to TO the DT mainland NN to TO seek VV better JJR economic JJ opportunities NNS . SENT The DT rate NN of IN natural JJ population NN increase NN , , which WDT occurs VVZ when WRB the DT number NN of IN births NNS exceeds VVZ the DT number NN of IN deaths NNS , , almost RB doubled VVN between IN 1899 CD and CC 1950 CD . SENT However RB , , it PP fell VVD during IN the DT 1990 CD s PP as IN people NNS relied VVD more JJR on IN various JJ forms NNS of IN birth NN control NN . SENT While IN life NN expectancy NN rates NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP have VHP improved VVN significantly RB in IN recent JJ years NNS , , Puerto NP Rico NP still RB has VHZ lower JJR rates NNS than IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT mainland NN . SENT In IN 2004 CD life NN expectancy NN rates NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP were VBD 73 CD . SENT 5 CD years NNS for IN males NNS and CC 81 CD . SENT 7 CD years NNS for IN females NNS . SENT This DT compares VVZ to TO 74 CD . SENT 6 CD years NNS for IN males NNS and CC 80 CD . SENT 40 CD years NNS for IN females NNS on IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT mainland NN . SENT These DT differences NNS can MD be VB attributed VVN to TO high JJ rates NNS of IN poverty NN on IN the DT island NN , , especially RB in IN the DT rural JJ areas NNS , , and CC a DT system NN of IN medical JJ care NN that WDT received VVD little JJ attention NN until IN the DT late JJ 20 CD th NN century NN . SENT In IN recent JJ years NNS Puerto NP Rico NP s PP age VVP structure NN changed VVN as IN the DT medical JJ care NN system NN improved VVD . SENT As IN death NN rates NNS declined VVD , , the DT proportion NN of IN the DT population NN over IN 65 CD years NNS of IN age NN increased VVD , , almost RB doubling VVG between IN 1940 CD and CC 1970 CD , , from IN 3 CD . SENT 4 CD percent NN of IN the DT total NN to TO 6 CD . SENT 5 CD percent NN . SENT In IN 2004 CD people NNS over IN 65 CD years NNS of IN age NN made VVN up IN 12 CD . SENT 2 CD percent NN of IN the DT population NN . SENT However RB , , the DT proportion NN of IN children NNS under IN 15 CD remained VVD fairly RB constant JJ at IN about RB 25 CD percent NN . SENT In IN 2001 CD , , about RB two CD fifths NNS of IN the DT population NN was VBD either RB under IN 19 CD or CC over IN 65 CD . SENT The DT gender NN structure NN of IN the DT population NN has VHZ changed VVN somewhat RB in IN recent JJ years NNS as IN well RB . SENT The DT number NN of IN males NNS per IN 100 CD females NNS has VHZ declined VVN from IN about RB 101 CD in IN 1940 CD and CC 1950 CD to TO 93 CD in IN 2004 CD . SENT This DT decrease NN is VBZ largely RB because IN women NNS lived VVD longer JJR lives NNS while IN many JJ males NNS left VVD the DT island NN to TO seek VV better JJR economic JJ opportunities NNS on IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT mainland NN . SENT B LS . SENT Principal JJ Cities NNS When WRB Puerto NP Rico NP began VVD to TO industrialize VV in IN the DT 1940 CD s PP , , many JJ people NNS migrated VVN from IN the DT countryside NN to TO the DT cities NNS . SENT As IN a DT result NN , , the DT urban JJ population NN increased VVD dramatically RB over IN the DT following VVG decades NNS . SENT The DT proportion NN of IN the DT population NN living NN in IN rural JJ areas NNS declined VVD from IN 70 CD percent NN in IN 1940 CD to TO 42 CD percent NN in IN 1970 CD . SENT In IN 2002 CD , , 76 CD percent NN of IN the DT population NN lived VVD in IN urban JJ areas NNS . SENT In IN 2000 CD the DT major JJ cities NNS included VVD San NP Juan NP 421 CD , , 958 CD , , Ponce NP 155 CD , , 038 CD , , Caguas NP 88 CD , , 680 CD , , Arecibo NP 49 CD , , 318 CD , , and CC Mayag NP ez NP 78 CD , , 647 CD . SENT San NP Juan NP , , the DT capital NN and CC chief JJ port NN , , is VBZ the DT most RBS important JJ city NN on IN the DT island NN . SENT Government NN offices NNS , , industries NNS , , the DT University NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , and CC the DT majority NN of IN tourist NN hotels NNS and CC entertainment NN facilities NNS are VBP concentrated VVN in IN the DT San NP Juan NP area NN . SENT San NP Juan NP is VBZ one CD of IN the DT oldest JJS cities NNS in IN the DT western JJ hemisphere NN , , founded VVN in IN the DT early JJ 16 CD th NN century NN . SENT The DT many JJ colonial NN buildings NNS and CC fortresses NNS found VVD in IN the DT old JJ section NN of IN the DT city NN , , known VVN as IN Old NP San NP Juan NP , , preserve VV the DT Spanish JJ flavor NN of IN the DT city NN . SENT The DT population NN of IN San NP Juan NP itself PP has VHZ not RB increased VVN greatly RB over IN the DT past JJ several JJ decades NNS , , but CC tremendous JJ growth NN has VHZ occurred VVN in IN cities NNS within IN the DT San NP Juan NP metropolitan JJ area NN . SENT Major JJ cities NNS in IN the DT San NP Juan NP metropolitan JJ area NN include VVP Bayam NP n NN 2000 CD population NN , , 203 CD , , 499 CD , , Carolina NP 168 CD , , 164 CD , , and CC Guaynabo NP 78 CD , , 806 CD . SENT C SYM . SENT Religion NN About IN 75 CD percent NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP population NN is VBZ Roman NP Catholic NP , , although IN a DT much RB smaller JJR number NN regularly RB attends VVZ religious JJ services NNS . SENT After IN the DT United NP States NPS acquired VVD Puerto NP Rico NP in IN 1898 CD , , Protestantism NN grew VVD in IN influence NN and CC popularity NN , , with IN all DT major JJ sects NNS represented VVD . SENT In IN recent JJ decades NNS , , Pentecostal JJ fundamentalism NN has VHZ gained VVN followers NNS . SENT As RB is VBZ typical JJ throughout IN Latin NP America NP , , a DT number NN of IN Puerto NP Ricans NP practiced VVD religions NNS that IN blend NN Catholicism NN with IN other JJ traditions NNS . SENT Some DT islanders NNS ascribe VV to TO spiritualism NN , , a DT belief NN that IN spirits NNS of IN the DT dead JJ inhabit VV the DT island NN , , and CC others NNS practice NN Santer NP a DT , , an DT Afro NP Caribbean NP belief NN system NN brought VVD to TO Puerto NP Rico NP from IN Cuba NP . SENT There EX is VBZ also RB a DT small JJ Jewish JJ community NN . SENT D SYM . SENT Migration NN In IN the DT late JJ 1990 CD s PP some RB 3 CD . SENT 1 CD million CD Puerto NP Ricans NP lived VVD on IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT mainland NN , , the DT majority NN of IN them PP in IN the DT states NNS of IN New NP York NP , , New NP Jersey NP , , and CC Florida NP . SENT In IN general NN , , Puerto NP Ricans NP went VVD to TO the DT mainland NN in IN search NN of IN better JJR economic JJ opportunities NNS . SENT Migration NN was VBD particularly RB extensive JJ during IN the DT first JJ decades NNS of IN industrialization NN , , from IN the DT early JJ 1940 CD s PP through IN the DT 1960 CD s PP . SENT As IN people NNS moved VVN from IN rural JJ to TO urban JJ areas NNS , , the DT new JJ manufacturing NN companies NNS did VVD not RB have VH enough JJ jobs NNS to TO offer VV . SENT With IN no DT jobs NNS in IN the DT cities NNS , , many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP left VVD the DT island NN to TO go VV to TO the DT mainland NN to TO find VV employment NN . SENT In IN fact NN , , one CD of IN the DT reasons NNS that IN Operation NN Bootstrap NN was VBD successful JJ was VBD that IN hundreds NNS of IN thousands NNS of IN Puerto NP Ricans NP migrated VVD to TO the DT mainland JJ United NP States NPS , , easing VVG economic JJ pressure NN on IN the DT island NN . SENT Migration NN also RB increased VVD in IN the DT early JJ 1980 CD s PP because IN of IN a DT serious JJ economic JJ recession NN on IN the DT island NN . SENT As IN the DT economy NN recovered VVD later RBR in IN the DT decade NN , , emigration NN declined VVD . SENT Migration NN helped VVD to TO relieve VV competition NN for IN jobs NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC decreased VVD the DT number NN of IN people NNS the DT relatively RB impoverished JJ island NN had VHD to TO feed VV . SENT It PP also RB provided VVD a DT source NN of IN external JJ income NN as IN emigrants NNS on IN the DT mainland NN sent VVD cash NN to TO relatives NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , thus RB somewhat RB aiding VVG the DT island NN s PP economy NN . SENT The DT migration NN of IN Puerto NP Ricans NP to TO the DT United NP States NPS has VHZ created VVN a DT Puerto NP Rican JJ presence NN in IN the DT mainland NN nearly RB as RB large JJ as IN the DT population NN of IN the DT island NN itself PP . SENT By IN the DT late JJ 1990 CD s PP many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP were VBD second JJ or CC third JJ generation NN residents NNS of IN the DT mainland NN . SENT Some DT traced VVD their PP$ heritage NN back RB even RB further RBR . SENT V NN . SENT Education NP and CC Cultural NP Institutions NPS Puerto NP Rico NP greatly RB improved VVD its PP$ educational JJ institutions NNS throughout IN the DT 20 CD th NN century NN . SENT By IN 2004 CD , , 94 CD . SENT 4 CD percent NN of IN the DT adult NN population NN was VBD literate JJ , , compared VVN with IN some DT 67 CD percent NN in IN 1940 CD . SENT The DT governor NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP appoints VVZ the DT secretary NN of IN education NN , , who WP heads VVZ the DT Department NP of IN Education NP . SENT The DT department NN oversees VVZ the DT public JJ education NN system NN . SENT Most JJS of IN the DT schools NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP are VBP public JJ and CC are VBP modeled VVN on IN the DT public JJ schools NNS in IN the DT continental JJ United NP States NPS . SENT About IN 20 CD percent NN of IN schoolchildren NNS attend VVP private JJ schools NNS . SENT The DT Roman NP Catholic NP Church NP runs VVZ a DT number NN of IN the DT private JJ schools NNS . SENT Children NNS must MD attend VV school NN from IN age NN 6 CD to TO 16 CD . SENT Most JJS attend VVP for IN 12 CD years NNS six CD years NNS of IN elementary JJ school NN , , three CD of IN junior JJ high NN , , and CC three CD of IN senior JJ high JJ school NN . SENT The DT government NN has VHZ gradually RB spent VVN more JJR money NN on IN public JJ elementary JJ and CC secondary JJ schools NNS , , but CC in IN 1995 CD 1996 CD Puerto NP Rico NP spent VVD only RB 4 CD , , 191 CD per IN pupil NN , , compared VVN to TO an DT average NN of IN 6 CD , , 146 CD per IN pupil NN in IN the DT mainland JJ United NP States NPS . SENT In IN the DT late JJ 1990 CD s PP the DT commonwealth NN s PP public JJ schools NNS annually RB enrolled VVD about IN 452 CD , , 000 CD elementary JJ pupils NNS and CC about IN 162 CD , , 000 CD secondary JJ students NNS . SENT In IN 1998 CD 1999 CD the DT commonwealth NN had VHD 51 CD private JJ and CC 14 CD public JJ institutions NNS of IN higher JJR education NN with IN a DT combined JJ enrollment NN of IN 164 CD , , 000 CD students NNS . SENT The DT University NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP System NP was VBD founded VVN in IN 1903 CD . SENT It PP is VBZ the DT oldest JJS institution NN of IN higher JJR education NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , with IN a DT number NN of IN branches NNS including VVG those DT in IN Arecibo NP , , Bayam NP n NN , , Cayey NP , , Humacao NP , , Mayag NP ez NP , , Ponce NP , , and CC San NP Juan NP . SENT Besides IN the DT University NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , other JJ institutions NNS of IN higher JJR education NN include VVP Bayam NP n NN Central NP University NP in IN Bayam NP n NN . SENT Inter NP American NP University NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , with IN major JJ campuses NNS in IN Hato NP Rey NP and CC San NP Germ NP n NN . SENT Pontifical NP Catholic NP University NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP in IN Ponce NP . SENT and CC the DT University NP of IN the DT Sacred NP Heart NP in IN Santurce NP . SENT Language NN has VHZ been VBN a DT central JJ issue NN in IN Puerto NP Rican JJ education NN and CC culture NN since IN 1898 CD . SENT Until IN 1930 CD , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT authorities NNS insisted VVD upon IN making VVG English JJ the DT language NN of IN instruction NN in IN the DT schools NNS . SENT They PP wanted VVD students NNS to TO speak VV English JJ in IN order NN to TO expose VV them PP to TO American JJ culture NN . SENT However RB , , Puerto NP Ricans NP strongly RB resisted VVD the DT effort NN to TO impose VV English JJ as IN the DT primary JJ language NN in IN schools NNS . SENT The DT policy NN was VBD changed VVN in IN 1948 CD , , when WRB Spanish NP replaced VVD English JJ in IN the DT school NN system NN . SENT English NP became VVD a DT second JJ language NN , , although IN students NNS were VBD required VVN to TO study VV English JJ at IN every DT school NN level NN . SENT In IN 1993 CD Puerto NP Rico NP declared VVD both DT Spanish JJ and CC English JJ the DT island NN s PP official JJ languages NNS . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ many JJ libraries NNS , , including VVG the DT Carnegie NP Public NP Library NN , , the DT library NN of IN the DT Ateneo NP Puertorrique NP o NN a DT privately RB run VVN Puerto NP Rican NP cultural JJ organization NN , , and CC the DT Volunteer NN Library NN League NP , , all DT in IN San NP Juan NP . SENT Several JJ of IN the DT other JJ larger JJR cities NNS and CC towns NNS also RB have VHP municipal JJ libraries NNS . SENT Many JJ universities NNS have VHP libraries NNS as IN well RB . SENT Many JJ of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP major JJ cultural JJ institutions NNS are VBP in IN San NP Juan NP . SENT These DT include VVP the DT Puerto NP Rico NP Museum NP of IN Art NP , , housing NN works NNS from IN pre NP Columbian JJ times NNS to TO the DT present NN . SENT the DT Children NP s PP Museum NP in IN Old NP San NP Juan NP . SENT and CC the DT Museum NP of IN the DT Indian JJ , , featuring VVG exhibits NNS about IN the DT indigenous JJ peoples NNS of IN the DT Caribbean JJ region NN . SENT Of IN note NN , , too RB , , is VBZ the DT Ponce NP Art NP Museum NP , , which WDT has VHZ exhibits NNS of IN paintings NNS by IN European NP and CC Puerto NP Rican JJ artists NNS . SENT In IN addition NN , , metropolitan JJ San NP Juan NP is VBZ the DT home NN of IN the DT Puerto NP Rico NP Symphony NP Orchestra NN , , the DT Conservatory NP of IN Music NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , and CC ballet NN and CC dance NN companies NNS . SENT A DT popular JJ cultural JJ attraction NN is VBZ the DT Pablo NP Casals NP Museum NP in IN Old NP San NP Juan NP , , which WDT contains VVZ memorabilia NNS from IN the DT life NN and CC career NN of IN renowned JJ cellist NN Pablo NP Casals NP . SENT VI NP . SENT Arts NP Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ enjoyed VVN a DT long JJ history NN of IN artistic JJ expression NN . SENT Many JJ artists NNS and CC writers NNS have VHP explored VVN the DT island NN s PP identity NN in IN their PP$ works NNS . SENT Music NN and CC dance VV also RB combine VV various JJ elements NNS of IN the DT island NN s PP many JJ cultures NNS indigenous JJ , , African JJ , , Spanish JJ , , and CC American NP . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican JJ government NN has VHZ long RB supported VVN arts NNS and CC culture NN on IN the DT island NN and CC runs VVZ a DT number NN of IN artistic JJ events NNS . SENT A DT . SENT Art NN and CC Literature NN The DT most RBS famous JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ painter NN of IN the DT 18 CD th NN century NN was VBD Jos NP Campeche NP . SENT Francisco NP Oller NP was VBD a DT painter NN of IN international JJ renown NN . SENT Oller NP traveled VVD to TO Spain NP and CC France NP in IN the DT 1850 CD s PP , , where WRB he PP was VBD influenced VVN by IN impressionist JJ painting NN . SENT In IN the DT 20 CD th NN century NN , , Ram NP n NN Frade NP became VVD the DT island NN s PP most RBS famous JJ impressionist NN painter NN . SENT Contemporary JJ sculptors NNS such JJ as IN Lindsay NP Daen NP , , John NP Balossi NP , , and CC Rafael NP Ferrer NP have VHP contributed VVN to TO Puerto NP Rico NP s PP lively JJ artistic JJ life NN . SENT A DT persistent JJ theme NN in IN much JJ of IN the DT island NN s PP literature NN is VBZ the DT quest NN for IN individual JJ and CC national JJ identity NN . SENT Puerto NP Rican NP writers NNS often RB focus VVP on IN political JJ and CC social JJ topics NNS . SENT Prominent JJ 19 JJ th NN century NN writers NNS include VVP Salvador NP Brau NP and CC Eugenio NP Mar NP a DT de NP Hostos NP . SENT Alejandro NP Tapia NP y NP Rivera NP , , who WP also RB wrote VVD during IN the DT 19 CD th NN century NN , , is VBZ considered VVN the DT father NN of IN Puerto NP Rican JJ theater NN . SENT One CD of IN the DT leading JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ playwrights NNS is VBZ Ren NP Marqu NP s PP , , who WP achieved VVD broad JJ international JJ recognition NN during IN the DT 1950 CD s PP and CC 1960 CD s PP . SENT Poetry NN has VHZ played VVN an DT important JJ role NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP cultural JJ and CC social JJ history NN . SENT In IN his PP$ poem NN El NP Puertorrique NP o NN 1844 CD , , and CC his PP$ later JJR book NN El NP G NP baro NP 1849 CD , , Manuel NP A NP . SENT Alonso NP helped VVD define VV the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ identity NN . SENT Jos NP Gualberto NP Padilla NP , , known VVN as IN El NP Caribe NP , , and CC Lola NP Rodr NP guez NP de NP T NN o NN hold VVP honored VVN places NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP pantheon NN of IN poets NNS . SENT The DT most RBS famous JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ poet NN of IN the DT early JJ 20 CD th NN century NN is VBZ Luis NP Pal NP s PP Matos NP , , known VVN for IN exploring VVG the DT island NN s PP African JJ heritage NN . SENT Raised VVN in IN a DT largely RB English JJ speaking VVG environment NN , , a DT number NN of IN Puerto NP Rican JJ poets NNS on IN the DT mainland NN write VV poetry NN in IN English NP but CC place VV Spanish JJ words NNS tellingly RB along IN the DT way NN to TO reveal VV their PP$ deep JJ concerns NNS about IN identity NN . SENT Pedro NP Juan NP Pietri NP and CC Jes VVZ s PP Papoleto NP Mel NP ndez NP exemplify VV this DT trend NN . SENT An DT excellent JJ example NN of IN this DT poetry NN is VBZ Pietri NP s PP Puerto NP Rican NP Obituary NN 1974 CD . SENT The DT island NN s PP first JJ novelist NN was VBD Manuel NP Zeno NP Gand NP a NN , , whose WP$ first JJ novel NN was VBD La NP Charca NP 1894 CD . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP s VVZ best RBS known VVN 20 CD th NN century NN novelist NN is VBZ Enrique NP Laguerre NP , , who WP published VVD La NP Llamaradora NP 1935 CD and CC many JJ other JJ important JJ works NNS . SENT Several JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ novelists NNS who WP migrated VVD to TO the DT mainland NN have VHP achieved VVN literary JJ recognition NN . SENT Among IN them PP are VBP Pedro NP Juan NP Soto NP and CC Emilio NP D NP az NP Varc NP rcel NN . SENT Soto NP lived VVD in IN New NP York NP City NP and CC taught VVD English JJ . SENT He PP is VBZ known VVN especially RB for IN Spiks NP 1956 CD , , a DT collection NN of IN short JJ stories NNS , , and CC the DT novel JJ Usmail NP 1959 CD . SENT Another DT novelist NN who WP has VHZ gained VVN a DT wide JJ audience NN is VBZ Piri NP Thomas NP , , who WP is VBZ famous JJ for IN Down IN These DT Mean NP Streets NP 1967 CD . SENT Rosario NP Ferr NP has VHZ become VVN an DT influential JJ and CC widely RB acclaimed JJ novelist NN both CC in IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC the DT mainland JJ United NP States NPS . SENT Her PP$ novels NNS The DT House NN on IN the DT Lagoon NN 1995 CD and CC Eccentric JJ Neighborhoods NNS 1998 CD were VBD written VVN in IN English NP . SENT B SYM . SENT Music NN and CC Dance NN In IN music NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ a DT long JJ tradition NN of IN folk NN songs NNS and CC romantic JJ ballads NNS based VVN on IN African JJ and CC Spanish JJ rhythms NNS such JJ as IN d NN cimas NNS or CC coplas NNS . SENT Ballads NNS are VBP very RB popular JJ in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , and CC the DT most RBS famous JJ composer NN of IN ballads NNS was VBD Rafael NP Hern NP ndez NP . SENT His PP$ ballads NNS , , composed VVN in IN the DT first JJ part NN of IN the DT 20 CD th NN century NN , , continue VVP to TO be VB widely RB sung VVN in IN the DT United NP States NPS and CC Latin NP America NP . SENT Puerto NP Rican NP musicians NNS on IN the DT island NN and CC on IN the DT mainland NN have VHP contributed VVN greatly RB to TO the DT creation NN of IN Latin JJ jazz NN , , and CC more RBR recently RB to TO innovations NNS in IN salsa NN , , a DT genre NN of IN Latin JJ music NN . SENT Many JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ salsa NN musicians NNS have VHP experimented VVN with IN a DT fusion NN of IN island NN rhythms NNS and CC musical JJ influences NNS from IN the DT mainland NN , , particularly RB from IN the DT New NP York NP City NP area NN . SENT Among IN the DT most RBS important JJ of IN these DT musicians NNS are VBP Tito NP Puente NP and CC Willie NP Col NN n NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP also RB has VHZ had VHN a DT rich JJ tradition NN of IN classical JJ music NN . SENT Among IN the DT most RBS important JJ classical JJ composers NNS is VBZ Hector NP Campos NP Parsi NP . SENT Classical JJ musicians NNS include VVP pianists NNS El NP as IN L NP pez NP Sob VV and CC Jes VVZ s PP Mar NP a DT Sanroma NP . SENT Two CD families NNS in IN particular JJ , , the DT Figueroas NP and CC the DT Hutchinsons NP , , have VHP contributed VVN several JJ outstanding JJ classical JJ musicians NNS . SENT The DT most RBS famous JJ of IN all DT Puerto NP Rican JJ classical JJ musicians NNS , , however RB , , is VBZ cellist NN Pablo NP Casals NP , , who WP left VVD his PP$ homeland NN in IN Spain NP and CC settled VVN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP in IN the DT 1950 CD s PP . SENT Casals NP , , whose WP$ mother NN was VBD born VVN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , became VVD the DT director NN of IN the DT Puerto NP Rico NP Symphony NP Orchestra NN and CC the DT Conservatory NP of IN Music NP . SENT The DT Casals NP Festival NP , , an DT annual JJ two CD week NN concert NN series NN named VVN for IN him PP , , began VVD in IN 1957 CD . SENT It PP attracts VVZ artists NNS from IN around IN the DT world NN . SENT Opera NP , , ballet NN , , and CC popular JJ concerts NNS also RB take VVP place NN throughout IN the DT year NN . SENT The DT Fine NP Arts NPS Center NP in IN San NP Juan NP is VBZ the DT island NN s PP main JJ artistic JJ venue NN . SENT Puerto NP Ricans NP are VBP also RB dedicated VVN to TO dance VV . SENT In IN the DT island NN s PP interior JJ , , the DT seis NP is VBZ the DT representative JJ dance NN of IN the DT j NN baros NP peasant NN farmers NNS . SENT It PP is VBZ usually RB danced VVN by IN six CD couples NNS , , to TO the DT accompaniment NN of IN a DT guitar NN . SENT The DT bomba NP is VBZ the DT predominant JJ dance NN among IN Afro NP Puerto NP Ricans NP in IN coastal JJ regions NNS . SENT By IN some DT accounts NNS , , it PP came VVD to TO Puerto NP Rico NP with IN slaves NNS from IN Africa NP . SENT Bomba NP is VBZ played VVN with IN two CD drums NNS and CC maracas NNS , , accompanied VVN by IN vocals NNS . SENT The DT refined JJ danza NP is VBZ popular JJ with IN Puerto NP Ricans NP of IN all DT walks NNS of IN life NN . SENT C LS . SENT Government NN Support NN The DT government NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ vigorously RB supported VVN the DT development NN of IN the DT arts NNS . SENT About IN the DT same JJ time NN the DT government NN began VVD Operation NN Bootstrap NN , , it PP launched VVD a DT program NN designed VVN to TO enrich VV cultural JJ values NNS and CC expression NN . SENT Known VVN as IN Operation NN Serenity NP , , it PP supported VVD activities NNS in IN all DT branches NNS of IN the DT arts NNS . SENT The DT Institute NP of IN Puerto NP Rican NP Culture NP encourages VVZ the DT program NN and CC sponsors VVZ concert NN performances NNS , , art NN exhibitions NNS , , and CC literary JJ activity NN . SENT The DT Economic NP Development NP Administration NP Fomento NP makes VVZ possible JJ the DT Casals NP Festival NP , , as RB well RB as IN providing VVG financial JJ support NN for IN the DT Puerto NP Rico NP Symphony NP Orchestra NN . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican NP Department NP of IN Education NP has VHZ provided VVN employment NN and CC other JJ opportunities NNS for IN many JJ artists NNS and CC writers NNS . SENT The DT oldest JJS cultural JJ agency NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ the DT Ateneo NP Puertorrique NP o NN , , a DT private JJ organization NN founded VVN in IN 1876 CD . SENT It PP promotes VVZ the DT arts NNS with IN prizes NNS and CC exhibits VVZ and CC brings VVZ many JJ kinds NNS of IN musical JJ and CC dramatic JJ performances NNS to TO the DT public NN . SENT VII NP . SENT Recreation NN and CC Places NNS of IN Interest NP Puerto NP Rico NP s PP mild JJ climate NN and CC sandy JJ beaches NNS make VVP it PP a DT popular JJ recreation NN area NN , , especially RB for IN swimming NN , , fishing NN , , boating VVG , , tennis NN , , and CC golf NN . SENT Baseball NN , , basketball NN , , volleyball NN , , and CC boxing NN are VBP popular JJ sports NNS on IN the DT island NN . SENT Horse NN racing NN and CC cockfighting NN also RB attract VV many JJ spectators NNS . SENT Many JJ famous JJ international JJ sports NNS figures NNS have VHP come VVN from IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT In IN tennis NN , , Gigi NP Fern NP ndez NP established VVD herself PP during IN the DT 1980 CD s PP and CC 1990 CD s PP as IN one CD of IN the DT greatest JJS doubles NN players NNS in IN women NNS s PP professional JJ tennis NN history NN . SENT In IN golf NN , , Chi NP Chi NP Rodr NP guez NP continues VVZ to TO be VB one CD of IN the DT most RBS popular JJ players NNS on IN the DT Professional JJ Golfer NN s PP Association NP Seniors NNS tour NN . SENT But CC Puerto NP Rican JJ baseball NN players NNS have VHP garnered VVN the DT greatest JJS success NN and CC international JJ fame NN . SENT Baseball NN became VVD popular JJ in IN Puerto NP Rico NP soon RB after IN the DT United NP States NPS occupied VVD the DT island NN in IN 1898 CD . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican NP Winter NPS League NP , , which WDT runs VVZ from IN November NP to TO January NP , , attracts VVZ many JJ prominent JJ major JJ league NN players NNS from IN the DT mainland NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ sent VVN many JJ fine NN players NNS to TO major JJ league NN baseball NN teams NNS in IN the DT United NP States NPS , , including VVG Vic NP Power NP , , who WP as IN a DT first JJ baseman NN during IN the DT 1950 CD s PP and CC 1960 CD s PP won VVD the DT American NP League NP Gold NP Glove NN Award NN seven CD years NNS in IN a DT row NN . SENT Other JJ more JJR recent JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ players NNS include VVP Bernie NP Williams NP , , Juan NP Gonzalez NP , , and CC Roberto NP Alomar NP . SENT Perhaps RB the DT most RBS famous JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ baseball NN player NN was VBD Roberto NP Clemente NP , , who WP had VHD a DT triumphant JJ career NN with IN the DT Pittsburgh NP Pirates NNS from IN 1955 CD to TO 1972 CD . SENT Playing VVG right JJ field NN , , Clemente NP won VVD four CD National NP League NP batting NN championships NNS and CC twelve NN Gold NN Glove NN awards NNS in IN a DT row NN . SENT In IN 1973 CD Clemente NP became VVD the DT first JJ Latin NP American NP to TO be VB elected VVN to TO baseball NN s PP Hall NP of IN Fame NP . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP s PP Spanish JJ heritage NN is VBZ preserved VVN in IN many JJ sites NNS in IN San NP Juan NP , , especially RB in IN the DT part NN of IN the DT city NN known VVN as IN Old NP San NP Juan NP . SENT Among IN these DT sites NNS is VBZ the DT San NP Juan NP National NP Historic JJ Site NN , , which WDT includes VVZ the DT fortresses NNS of IN San NP Felipe NP del NP Morro NP known VVN simply RB as IN El NP Morro NP and CC San NP Crist NP bal NP . SENT La NP Fortaleza NP was VBD once RB a DT fortress NN and CC is VBZ now RB the DT governor NN s PP palace NN . SENT its PP$ oldest JJS section NN was VBD completed VVN in IN 1540 CD . SENT The DT area NN also RB contains VVZ many JJ religious JJ sites NNS , , including VVG the DT San NP Juan NP Cathedral NP , , built VVN in IN the DT early JJ 16 CD th NN century NN , , and CC the DT Old JJ Dominican JJ Convent NN , , built VVN between IN 1523 CD and CC 1528 CD . SENT VIII NP . SENT Government NN Under IN the DT provisions NNS of IN its PP$ 1952 CD constitution NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ a DT commonwealth NN freely RB associated VVN with IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican JJ government NN maintains VVZ control NN over IN local JJ issues NNS , , but CC the DT island NN is VBZ required VVN to TO comply VV with IN most JJS federal JJ legislation NN . SENT Puerto NP Ricans NP are VBP citizens NNS of IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT They PP serve VVP in IN the DT armed JJ forces NNS and CC are VBP subject JJ to TO nearly RB all DT federal JJ laws NNS . SENT Citizens NNS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP are VBP exempt JJ from IN federal JJ income NN taxes NNS . SENT they PP do VVP , , however RB , , pay VV commonwealth NN taxes NNS . SENT Islanders NNS participate VVP equally RB in IN most JJS but CC not RB all DT federal JJ entitlement NN programs NNS . SENT The DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT government NN is VBZ responsible JJ for IN the DT island NN s PP defense NN , , foreign JJ relations NNS , , and CC trade NN . SENT However RB , , the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT and CC Puerto NP Rican NP governments NNS often RB cooperate VVP on IN joint JJ programs NNS that WDT benefit VVP the DT island NN . SENT Puerto NP Rican NP citizens NNS 18 CD years NNS of IN age NN and CC older JJR may MD vote VV . SENT A DT . SENT Executive NP Puerto NP Rico NP s PP chief JJ executive NN is VBZ a DT governor NN , , who WP is VBZ elected VVN by IN the DT voters NNS to TO a DT four CD year NN term NN and CC may MD be VB reelected VVN any DT number NN of IN times NNS . SENT With IN the DT consent NN of IN the DT legislature NN , , the DT governor NN appoints VVZ the DT judges NNS of IN the DT supreme NN and CC the DT subordinate JJ courts NNS , , and CC the DT secretaries NNS who WP head VVP the DT executive JJ departments NNS of IN the DT government NN . SENT These DT department NN heads VVZ form VV the DT governor NN s PP advisory JJ council NN , , or CC council NN of IN secretaries NNS . SENT The DT governor NN proposes VVZ the DT annual JJ budget NN and CC legislative JJ program NN to TO the DT legislature NN . SENT The DT governor NN also RB commands VVZ the DT island NN s PP National NP Guard NP when WRB it PP is VBZ not RB in IN federal JJ service NN . SENT The DT secretary NN of IN state NN succeeds VVZ the DT governor NN should MD the DT latter NN resign VV , , die VV , , or CC be VB removed VVN from IN office NN . SENT B LS . SENT Legislative JJ The DT Puerto NP Rico NP Legislative JJ Assembly NN is VBZ made VVN up RP of IN two CD chambers NNS , , a DT Senate NP and CC a DT House NP of IN Representatives NPS . SENT All DT legislators NNS are VBP elected VVN to TO four CD year NN terms NNS . SENT Most JJS members NNS are VBP elected VVN in IN districts NNS , , but CC some DT are VBP elected VVN at IN large JJ in IN proportion NN to TO the DT popular JJ vote NN of IN their PP$ political JJ parties NNS . SENT This DT assures VVZ the DT representation NN of IN minority NN parties NNS that WDT receive VVP a DT certain JJ percentage NN of IN the DT vote NN . SENT Because IN of IN this DT provision NN , , the DT number NN of IN senators NNS and CC representatives NNS can MD vary VV . SENT According VVG to TO the DT commonwealth NN s PP constitution NN , , however RB , , the DT Senate NP must MD have VH at IN least JJS 27 CD members NNS and CC the DT House NP must MD have VH at IN least JJS 51 CD members NNS . SENT The DT Legislative JJ Assembly NN may MD override VV the DT governor NN s PP veto VV of IN legislation NN by IN a DT two CD thirds NNS vote NN in IN each DT house NN . SENT C LS . SENT Judicial JJ The DT judicial JJ branch NN consists VVZ of IN a DT supreme JJ court NN , , superior JJ and CC district NN courts NNS , , and CC , , at IN the DT lowest JJS level NN , , justices NNS of IN the DT peace NN . SENT The DT governor NN appoints VVZ judges NNS with IN the DT consent NN of IN the DT Senate NP . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP s VVZ highest JJS tribunal NN , , the DT Supreme NP Court NP , , includes VVZ a DT chief JJ justice NN and CC six CD associate NN justices NNS , , who WP serve VVP until IN the DT age NN of IN 70 CD . SENT Appeals NNS to TO the DT Supreme NP Court NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS are VBP allowed VVN from IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP Supreme NP Court NP . SENT The DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Federal NP District NP Court NP in IN San NP Juan NP serves VVZ as IN the DT federal JJ trial NN court NN for IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP s PP laws NNS are VBP based VVN on IN the DT Spanish JJ , , as RB well RB as RB on IN the DT American JJ , , legal JJ system NN . SENT Civil JJ and CC commercial JJ codes NNS are VBP fashioned VVN after IN Spanish JJ law NN , , which WDT is VBZ known VVN as IN civil JJ law NN . SENT Civil JJ law NN is VBZ a DT code NN of IN statutes NNS passed VVN by IN the DT government NN . SENT Judges NNS in IN the DT civil JJ law NN system NN administer VV the DT code NN but CC do VVP not RB interpret VV it PP . SENT Generally RB there EX are VBP no DT juries NNS in IN civil JJ law NN trials NNS . SENT Criminal JJ , , procedural JJ , , and CC public JJ including VVG constitutional JJ law NN are VBP fashioned VVN after IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT law NN , , which WDT is VBZ referred VVN to TO as RB common JJ law NN . SENT Common JJ law NN is VBZ based VVN on IN custom NN and CC precedent NN , , which WDT means VVZ that IN decisions NNS in IN court NN cases NNS themselves PP become VVP the DT basis NN for IN future JJ interpretations NNS of IN the DT law NN . SENT Judges NNS in IN the DT common JJ law NN system NN interpret VV the DT law NN based VVN on IN common JJ usage NN , , past JJ social JJ traditions NNS , , and CC precedents NNS set VVN by IN previous JJ court NN decisions NNS . SENT D SYM . SENT Local JJ Government NP Puerto NP Rico NP has VHZ 78 CD municipios NNS Spanish JJ for IN municipalities NNS , , similar JJ to TO counties NNS in IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT A DT popularly RB elected VVN mayor NN and CC municipal JJ assembly NN govern VV each DT municipio NN . SENT The DT mayor NN appoints VVZ a DT secretary NN auditor NN and CC a DT treasurer NN . SENT However RB , , the DT commonwealth NN s PP Legislative JJ Assembly NN and CC governor NN handle VVP most RBS local JJ services NNS . SENT These DT services NNS include VVP police NNS and CC fire NN protection NN , , water NN supply NN , , and CC the DT school NN system NN . SENT E SYM . SENT National JJ Representation NN Because IN Puerto NP Rico NP is VBZ not RB a DT state NN , , the DT voters NNS do VVP not RB participate VV in IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT congressional JJ or CC presidential JJ elections NNS . SENT However RB , , a DT nonvoting JJ resident NN delegate NN represents VVZ Puerto NP Rico NP in IN the DT House NP of IN Representatives NPS . SENT The DT delegate NN is VBZ elected VVN by IN Puerto NP Rican JJ voters NNS to TO a DT four CD year NN term NN . SENT F SYM . SENT Political JJ Parties NNS The DT major JJ political JJ divisions NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP reflect VVP feelings NNS about IN ties NNS with IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT The DT Popular NP Democratic NP Party NP Partido NP Popular NP Democr NP tico NP , , PPD NP , , which WDT favors VVZ commonwealth NN status NN for IN the DT island NN , , became VVD the DT leading JJ party NN after IN 1940 CD . SENT The DT PPD NN was VBD responsible JJ for IN the DT creation NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP commonwealth NN status NN and CC was VBD the DT island NN s PP dominant JJ party NN until IN the DT late JJ 1960 CD s PP . SENT The DT party NN has VHZ traditionally RB drawn VVN its PP$ support NN from IN the DT rural JJ areas NNS . SENT From IN its PP$ beginnings NNS , , the DT PPD NN advocated VVD land NN reform NN in IN favor NN of IN the DT island NN s PP peasantry NN . SENT The DT party NN s PP motto NN was VBD Pan NP , , Tierra NP y NP Libertad NP Spanish NP for IN Bread NP , , Land NP and CC Liberty NP . SENT As IN the DT island NN rapidly RB urbanized VVD in IN the DT last JJ half NN of IN the DT 20 CD th NN century NN , , much RB of IN the DT PPD NN s PP support VVP eroded VVN as IN the DT rural JJ population NN declined VVD . SENT This DT shift NN explains VVZ the DT PPD NN s PP loss NN of IN influence NN in IN recent JJ years NNS . SENT In IN the DT 1968 CD elections NNS , , the DT PPD NN lost VVD to TO the DT New NP Progressive NP Party NP Partido NP Nuevo NP Progresista NP , , PNP NP , , which WDT advocates VVZ statehood NN for IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT The DT PNP NP viewed VVD statehood NN as IN a DT means NN of IN gaining VVG a DT larger JJR share NN of IN federal JJ funds NNS and CC social JJ programs NNS than IN the DT island NN receives VVZ as IN a DT commonwealth NN . SENT The DT new JJ party NN also RB sought VVD statehood NN in IN order NN to TO undermine VV a DT small JJ but CC vocal JJ movement NN on IN the DT island NN that IN favored JJ independence NN . SENT Most JJS of IN the DT PNP NN s PP support VVP is VBZ found VVN in IN the DT urban JJ areas NNS , , particularly RB in IN San NP Juan NP and CC Ponce NP . SENT Since IN 1968 CD control NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP government NN has VHZ alternated VVN between IN the DT PPD NP and CC PNP NP . SENT Despite IN differences NNS over IN the DT island NN s PP political JJ status NN , , the DT two CD major JJ parties NNS advocate VVP continuation NN of IN the DT same JJ general JJ economic JJ and CC social JJ programs NNS , , and CC both DT appeal NN to TO a DT broad JJ cross NN section NN of IN voters NNS . SENT The DT small JJ Puerto NP Rican NP Independence NP Party NP Partido NP Independentista NP Puertorrique NP o NN , , PIP NN seeks VVZ immediate JJ independence NN . SENT It PP wants VVZ to TO create VV a DT socialist JJ democratic JJ republic NN , , in IN which WDT the DT government NN would MD play VV a DT major JJ role NN in IN economic JJ planning NN , , the DT production NN of IN goods NNS , , and CC the DT distribution NN of IN wealth NN . SENT Several JJ other JJ minor JJ parties NNS also RB support VVP independence NN . SENT IX NP . SENT History NN Archaeologists NNS believe VVP that IN the DT island NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD first RB settled VVN in IN the DT 1 CD st NP century NN ad NN . SENT When WRB the DT Spanish NP arrived VVD in IN 1493 CD , , the DT island NN was VBD inhabited VVN by IN an DT agricultural JJ people NNS belonging VVG to TO the DT Arawakan JJ language NN family NN . SENT The DT Spanish NP called VVD them PP Ta NP nos NNS , , but CC they PP were VBD also RB known VVN as IN Island NP Arawak NP . SENT The DT Ta NP nos NNS called VVD the DT island NN Boriqu NP n NN or CC Borinqu NP n NN . SENT They PP lived VVD in IN settled VVN villages NNS , , in IN small JJ , , thatch VV roofed VVN houses NNS or CC huts NNS known VVN as IN bohios NNS . SENT Their PP$ main JJ furniture NN was VBD the DT hamanca NN hammock NN . SENT They PP molded VVN clay NN into IN plates NNS , , jars NNS , , and CC other JJ domestic JJ items NNS , , decorating VVG them PP with IN engraved VVN or CC painted VVN designs NNS . SENT Ta NP no DT agriculture NN was VBD simple JJ , , but CC it PP produced VVD a DT sufficient JJ and CC balanced JJ diet NN . SENT The DT Ta NP nos NNS grew VVD cassava NN , , which WDT they PP ground VVD into IN flour NN for IN bread NN called VVD casabe NN . SENT Other JJ crops NNS included VVD pineapples NNS , , sweet JJ potatoes NNS , , and CC tobacco NN , , which WDT the DT Ta NP nos NNS smoked VVD during IN religious JJ ceremonies NNS . SENT In IN the DT rivers NNS and CC the DT sea NN , , they PP fished VVD and CC gathered VVD clams NNS and CC snails NNS . SENT They PP also RB hunted VVN rodents NNS and CC iguanas NNS . SENT Ta NP no DT society NN centered VVN around IN the DT village NN , , whose WP$ chief NN was VBD called VVN cacique NN . SENT Ta NP no DT society NN was VBD matrilineal JJ , , meaning VVG that DT family NN lineage NN was VBD traced VVN through IN the DT female JJ line NN . SENT The DT cacique NN was VBD succeeded VVN not RB by IN his PP$ son NN but CC by IN the DT eldest JJ son NN of IN one CD of IN his PP$ sisters NNS . SENT There EX was VBD a DT large JJ degree NN of IN equality NN between IN men NNS and CC women NNS in IN Taino NP society NN . SENT In IN many JJ instances NNS a DT cacica NN , , or CC female JJ chief NN , , served VVN as IN the DT head NN of IN a DT village NN . SENT A DT . SENT European NP Conquest NP and CC Settlement NP Christopher NP Columbus NP , , an DT Italian JJ explorer NN in IN the DT employment NN of IN Spain NP , , landed VVD on IN Puerto NP Rico NP in IN 1493 CD and CC claimed VVD it PP for IN Spain NP . SENT He PP named VVD the DT island NN San NP Juan NP Bautista NP . SENT However RB , , Columbus NP quickly RB left VVD the DT island NN and CC went VVD to TO the DT adjacent JJ island NN of IN Hispaniola NP . SENT San NP Juan NP Bautista NP remained VVD unsettled JJ by IN Europeans NPS until IN 1508 CD , , when WRB Spanish JJ explorer NN Juan NP Ponce NP de NP Le NP n NN colonized VVD it PP . SENT He PP became VVD the DT island NN s PP first RB Spanish JJ governor NN in IN 1510 CD . SENT His PP$ primary JJ responsibility NN was VBD to TO defend VV the DT Spanish JJ settlement NN on IN Hispaniola NP by IN protecting VVG the DT Mona NP Passage NP between IN Hispaniola NP and CC Puerto NP Rico NP as IN San NP Juan NP Bautista NP became VVD known VVN . SENT The DT Mona NP Passage NP was VBD the DT principal JJ gateway NN to TO the DT Caribbean NP , , and CC the DT main JJ sea NN routes NNS to TO the DT Spanish JJ possessions NNS in IN the DT Caribbean NP and CC Central NP and CC South NP America NP passed VVD through IN its PP$ waters NNS . SENT When WRB Spanish JJ settlers NNS arrived VVN in IN 1508 CD , , about IN 30 CD , , 000 CD Ta NP nos NNS lived VVD on IN the DT island NN . SENT However RB , , the DT number NN of IN Ta NP nos NNS quickly RB decreased VVD . SENT They PP died VVD because IN of IN lack NN of IN resistance NN to TO European JJ diseases NNS and CC mistreatment NN by IN the DT Spanish JJ . SENT they PP also RB fled VVD to TO escape VV the DT colonists NNS . SENT In IN 1511 CD the DT Ta NP nos NNS , , who WP had VHD been VBN forcibly RB put VVN to TO work VV as IN laborers NNS , , revolted VVD , , but CC the DT Spanish JJ quickly RB subdued VVN them PP . SENT Some DT Ta NP nos NNS were VBD assimilated VVN through IN intermarriage NN with IN Spaniards NNS . SENT By IN 1550 CD fewer JJR than IN 100 CD Ta NP nos NNS of IN pure JJ blood NN remained VVD , , but CC these DT , , too RB , , soon RB perished VVN . SENT In IN 1513 CD Spain NP authorized VVD the DT importation NN of IN African JJ slaves NNS to TO Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT B SYM . SENT Spanish JJ Rule NN In IN the DT early JJ 16 CD th NN century NN Spanish JJ settlers NNS focused VVN on IN mining NN gold NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , but CC the DT sources NNS quickly RB became VVD exhausted VVN . SENT With IN a DT scarce JJ population NN and CC a DT meager JJ economy NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP became VVD little RB more JJR than IN a DT military JJ outpost NN , , guarding VVG trade NN routes NNS and CC Spanish JJ armies NNS traveling VVG to TO the DT American JJ mainland NN . SENT Ships NNS carrying VVG gold NN and CC silver NN from IN the DT Americas NPS to TO Spain NP passed VVN by IN Puerto NP Rico NP as RB well RB . SENT For IN three CD centuries NNS the DT Spanish JJ governor NN , , whose WP$ chief JJ concern NN was VBD the DT strategic JJ military JJ role NN of IN the DT island NN , , governed VVD the DT small JJ population NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP with IN strict JJ authority NN . SENT The DT wealthier JJR settlements NNS in IN New NP Spain NP the DT Spanish JJ colony NN in IN Mexico NP paid VVD an DT annual JJ subsidy NN known VVN as IN the DT situado NN , , which WDT supported VVD Puerto NP Rico NP s PP administrative JJ and CC military JJ expenses NNS . SENT Many JJ people NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP supported VVD themselves PP through IN farming NN . SENT Most JJS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP farmers NNS were VBD landowners NNS with IN small JJ farms NNS . SENT They PP grew VVD subsistence NN crops NNS such JJ as IN cassava NN , , corn NN , , vegetables NNS , , fruit NN , , and CC rice NN . SENT Whenever WRB possible JJ , , they PP sold VVD any DT surplus NN produce VV in IN town NN markets NNS to TO Puerto NP Rico NP s PP military JJ personnel NNS , , stationed VVN especially RB in IN San NP Juan NP , , and CC to TO ships NNS that WDT stopped VVD at IN Puerto NP Rican JJ ports NNS . SENT The DT island NN began VVD to TO produce VV sugarcane NN in IN the DT early JJ 16 CD th NN century NN . SENT None NN of IN this DT farming NN made VVD the DT colony NN a DT rich JJ one CD , , and CC it PP continued VVD to TO depend VV on IN the DT subsidy NN from IN New NP Spain NP . SENT Nevertheless RB , , a DT merchant NN class NN evolved VVD to TO carry VV out RP the DT trade NN with IN the DT ships NNS and CC between IN the DT towns NNS . SENT A DT wide JJ variety NN of IN businesses NNS sprang VVD up RP . SENT Merchants NNS of IN many JJ kinds NNS grocers NNS , , artisans NNS , , wholesale JJ import NN export NN merchants NNS , , and CC distributors NNS became VVD important JJ to TO the DT economy NN . SENT By IN the DT end NN of IN the DT 18 CD th NN century NN Puerto NP Rico NP supported VVD several JJ cities NNS with IN populations NNS of IN more JJR than IN 5 CD , , 000 CD inhabitants NNS , , including VVG the DT capital NN , , San NP Juan NP . SENT For IN the DT first JJ 250 CD years NNS after IN European JJ settlement NN , , the DT Spanish JJ authorities NNS ran VVD the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ economy NN under IN a DT policy NN known VVN as IN mercantilism NN . SENT Under IN this DT system NN , , the DT Spanish JJ government NN permitted VVD its PP$ colonists NNS to TO trade VV only RB with IN Spain NP , , prohibiting VVG trade NN with IN other JJ Spanish JJ colonies NNS and CC with IN foreign JJ nations NNS . SENT This DT restrictive JJ system NN favored VVD Spanish JJ merchants NNS much RB more RBR than IN it PP did VVD Puerto NP Rican NP farmers NNS and CC merchants NNS . SENT Spain NP purchased VVD agricultural JJ products NNS from IN Puerto NP Rican JJ farmers NNS and CC merchants NNS at IN low JJ prices NNS , , but CC sold VVN items NNS imported VVN from IN Spain NP to TO the DT colonists NNS at IN high JJ prices NNS . SENT Throughout IN this DT period NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP had VHD a DT thriving JJ illegal JJ trade NN with IN other JJ Spanish JJ and CC foreign JJ colonies NNS . SENT The DT center NN for IN smuggling NN was VBD the DT southern JJ port NN of IN Ponce NP . SENT Colonists NNS , , and CC often RB the DT governing VVG authorities NNS on IN the DT island NN , , bypassed VVD government NN restrictions NNS to TO conduct VV this DT illegal JJ trade NN . SENT After IN 1765 CD Spain NP introduced VVD new JJ fiscal JJ and CC administrative JJ policies NNS to TO make VV Puerto NP Rico NP a DT more RBR profitable JJ colony NN capable JJ of IN supplying VVG greater JJR tax NN revenue NN to TO the DT Spanish JJ treasury NN . SENT The DT government NN encouraged VVD immigration NN and CC redistributed VVD unused JJ land NN to TO individuals NNS willing JJ to TO cultivate VV the DT soil NN . SENT It PP worked VVD to TO improve VV the DT island NN s PP defenses NNS and CC its PP$ infrastructure NN , , such JJ as IN roads NNS and CC bridges NNS . SENT Spain NP also RB ended VVD trade NN restrictions NNS between IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC other JJ Spanish JJ colonies NNS . SENT B LS . SENT 1 LS . SENT Sugar NN and CC Slaves VVZ Puerto NP Rico NP s PP economy NN underwent VVD a DT major JJ transformation NN with IN the DT introduction NN of IN large JJ sugar NN plantations NNS . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP began VVD growing VVG sugarcane NN on IN the DT island NN in IN the DT early JJ 16 CD th NN century NN , , but CC it PP did VVD not RB become VV a DT dominant JJ crop NN until IN the DT 19 CD th NN century NN . SENT By IN mid JJ 19 CD th NN century NN , , the DT island NN had VHD more JJR than IN tripled VVN the DT amount NN of IN sugar NN it PP was VBD exporting VVG . SENT Along RB with IN Cuba NP , , Puerto NP Rico NP became VVD one CD of IN the DT leading JJ Spanish JJ sugar NN colonies NNS . SENT There EX were VBD several JJ reasons NNS why WRB Puerto NP Rico NP s PP sugar NN industry NN grew VVD at IN such PDT a DT rapid JJ pace NN . SENT One PP was VBD the DT Haitian JJ Slave NN Revolt NN , , in IN which WDT slaves VVZ in IN the DT nearby JJ French JJ colony NN of IN Saint NP Domingue NP on IN the DT island NN of IN Hispaniola NP rose VVD in IN rebellion NN against IN their PP$ masters NNS in IN 1791 CD . SENT This DT uprising NN inspired VVD a DT political JJ revolution NN that WDT led VVD to TO the DT formation NN of IN the DT independent JJ nation NN of IN Haiti NP in IN 1804 CD . SENT At IN the DT time NN of IN the DT revolt NN , , Saint NP Domingue NP was VBD the DT world NN s PP leading VVG producer NN of IN sugar NN . SENT By IN 1804 CD Saint NP Domingue NP s PP sugar NN production NN had VHD declined VVN sharply RB as IN a DT result NN of IN the DT turmoil NN and CC economic JJ instability NN resulting VVG from IN the DT revolt NN . SENT Without IN Saint NP Domingue NP s PP sugar NN on IN the DT world NN market NN , , sugar NN prices NNS rose VVD . SENT In IN response NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP began VVD to TO produce VV more JJR sugar NN . SENT Furthermore RB , , many JJ of IN Saint NP Domingue NP s PP French JJ sugar NN planters NNS immigrated VVD to TO Puerto NP Rico NP , , mainly RB to TO the DT western JJ region NN of IN Mayag NP ez NP , , and CC they PP brought VVD with IN them PP money NN and CC expertise NN . SENT The DT Spanish JJ government NN helped VVD expand VV Puerto NP Rican JJ sugar NN production NN in IN 1815 CD by IN passing VVG the DT C NP dula NP de NP Gracias NP , , which WDT relaxed VVD trade NN restrictions NNS with IN foreign JJ nations NNS . SENT They PP also RB encouraged VVD whites NNS and CC free JJ blacks NNS and CC mulattos NNS to TO immigrate VV to TO the DT island NN , , bringing VVG their PP$ slaves NNS with IN them PP . SENT Large JJ scale NN sugar NN production NN was VBD heavily RB dependent JJ upon IN slave NN labor NN , , and CC Puerto NP Rico NP began VVD to TO import VV more JJR African JJ slaves NNS . SENT Although IN slaves NNS began VVD to TO be VB imported VVN in IN the DT 1500 CD s PP , , shortly RB after IN Spain NP authorized JJ slavery NN , , they PP remained VVD a DT small JJ part NN of IN the DT population NN for IN the DT next JJ three CD centuries NNS . SENT In IN 1765 CD there RB were VBD only RB about IN 5 CD , , 000 CD slaves NNS in IN the DT colony NN . SENT By IN 1830 CD , , with IN a DT new JJ emphasis NN on IN sugar NN cultivation NN , , there EX were VBD more JJR than IN 30 CD , , 000 CD slaves NNS . SENT Although IN the DT size NN of IN the DT slave NN population NN increased VVD , , Puerto NP Rico NP did VVD not RB become VV a DT society NN whose WP$ central JJ character NN was VBD determined VVN by IN sugar NN and CC slaves NNS . SENT In IN fact NN , , between IN the DT mid JJ 1800 CD s PP and CC the DT abolition NN of IN slavery NN in IN 1873 CD , , the DT number NN of IN slaves NNS actually RB decreased VVD . SENT Because IN farmers NNS cultivated VVN several JJ other JJ important JJ crops NNS in IN addition NN to TO sugar NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP had VHD a DT much RB more RBR balanced JJ economy NN than IN colonies NNS with IN stronger JJR sugar NN sectors NNS . SENT Coffee NN , , which WDT small JJ landholders NNS could MD grow VV , , became VVD an DT important JJ crop NN during IN the DT 19 CD th NN century NN . SENT In IN addition NN , , a DT large JJ population NN of IN farmers NNS without IN slaves NNS continued VVN to TO grow VV tobacco NN , , fruits NNS and CC vegetables NNS , , and CC other JJ subsistence NN crops NNS . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican JJ slave NN population NN during IN the DT 19 CD th NN century NN never RB amounted VVD to TO more JJR than IN roughly RB 10 CD percent NN of IN the DT island NN s PP population NN . SENT In IN several JJ geographical JJ regions NNS , , however RB , , like IN Ponce NP and CC Mayag NP ez NP , , the DT proportion NN of IN slaves NNS was VBD much RB higher JJR and CC the DT slave NN system NN was VBD harsher JJR . SENT Conditions NNS for IN slaves NNS varied VVN greatly RB according VVG to TO where WRB they PP worked VVD and CC what WP they PP did VVD . SENT Throughout IN the DT Americas NPS , , slaves VVZ on IN sugar NN plantations NNS in IN general NN suffered VVD the DT most RBS brutal JJ labor NN conditions NNS of IN all DT slaves NNS . SENT Slaves NNS who WP lived VVD in IN the DT larger JJR cities NNS , , such JJ as IN San NP Juan NP , , and CC worked VVD as IN artisans NNS , , water NN carriers NNS , , or CC street NN vendors NNS , , to TO mention VV only RB a DT few JJ possibilities NNS , , generally RB did VVD not RB labor NN under IN as IN extreme JJ conditions NNS . SENT B LS . SENT 2 LS . SENT Colonial NP Society NP Before IN the DT abolition NN of IN slavery NN in IN 1873 CD , , Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD largely RB an DT agricultural JJ society NN composed VVN of IN a DT few JJ large JJ landowners NNS and CC many JJ small JJ , , peasant NN farmers NNS . SENT In IN the DT agricultural JJ regions NNS , , society NN was VBD traditional JJ , , life NN was VBD slow RB paced VVN , , and CC people NNS had VHD few JJ opportunities NNS for IN social JJ mobility NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP also RB had VHD many JJ towns NNS and CC cities NNS , , however RB , , where WRB greater JJR economic JJ opportunity NN and CC social JJ mobility NN existed VVD . SENT In IN the DT main JJ cities NNS , , including VVG San NP Juan NP , , Ponce NP , , and CC Mayag NP ez NP , , there EX were VBD import NN export NN merchants NNS , , smaller JJR wholesalers NNS and CC distributors NNS of IN goods NNS , , many JJ small JJ retail JJ grocery NN stores NNS , , and CC a DT range NN of IN artisans NNS shops NNS . SENT Puerto NP Rican NP society NN was VBD legally RB divided VVN into IN castes NNS . SENT The DT upper JJ caste NN was VBD composed VVN of IN whites NNS , , who WP enjoyed VVD full JJ legal JJ rights NNS . SENT The DT middle JJ caste NN was VBD made VVN up RP of IN the DT free JJ people NNS of IN color NN gente NN de NP color NN , , who WP possessed VVD fewer JJR legal JJ rights NNS than IN the DT whites NNS . SENT These DT free JJ people NNS of IN color NN , , or CC coloreds NNS , , could MD be VB blacks NNS or CC mulattos NNS . SENT The DT third JJ caste NN was VBD that IN of IN slaves NNS , , who WP were VBD given VVN very RB few JJ legal JJ rights NNS . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP never RB had VHD a DT very RB large JJ slave NN population NN , , but CC it PP did VVD have VH a DT large JJ population NN of IN free JJ people NNS of IN color NN . SENT Some DT of IN them PP were VBD former JJ slaves NNS who WP had VHD been VBN emancipated VVN by IN their PP$ masters NNS or CC had VHD purchased VVN their PP$ freedom NN . SENT Most RBS free JJ people NNS of IN color NN were VBD of IN mixed JJ white JJ and CC black JJ heritage NN , , the DT result NN of IN intermarriage NN or CC informal JJ relations NNS between IN the DT races NNS . SENT Free JJ people NNS of IN color NN were VBD prohibited VVN from IN becoming VVG doctors NNS or CC lawyers NNS , , or CC from IN becoming VVG members NNS of IN the DT civil JJ and CC church NN bureaucracies NNS . SENT They PP were VBD required VVN to TO serve VV in IN the DT militia NN , , but CC in IN segregated JJ units NNS . SENT These DT sharp JJ and CC demeaning VVG restrictions NNS limited VVD the DT range NN of IN opportunity NN available JJ to TO them PP . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , the DT law NN extended VVD certain JJ legal JJ and CC economic JJ rights NNS to TO this DT large JJ segment NN of IN the DT population NN . SENT They PP could MD own VV property NN , , houses NNS , , stores NNS , , and CC even RB slaves VVZ . SENT They PP could MD also RB be VB members NNS of IN all PDT the DT craft NN guilds NNS , , some DT even RB becoming VVG master NN craftspeople NN . SENT Just RB as RB in IN many JJ other JJ places NNS during IN the DT 18 CD th NN and CC 19 CD th NN centuries NNS , , a DT social JJ class NN system NN began VVD to TO evolve VV . SENT At IN top NN were VBD the DT white JJ merchants NNS and CC other JJ white JJ storekeepers NNS and CC farmers NNS with IN large JJ farms NNS . SENT Storekeepers NNS , , some DT artisans NNS , , farmers NNS of IN medium NN sized VVD farms NNS , , and CC professionals NNS and CC civil JJ servants NNS formed VVD a DT middle JJ group NN . SENT Most JJS people NNS belonged VVD to TO the DT lower JJR group NN , , which WDT included VVD farmers NNS of IN small JJ farms NNS and CC unskilled JJ laborers NNS . SENT At IN the DT bottom NN of IN society NN were VBD slaves NNS . SENT Social JJ mobility NN was VBD greater JJR for IN whites NNS than IN it PP was VBD for IN free JJ blacks NNS and CC mulattos NNS . SENT B LS . SENT 3 LS . SENT The DT Loyal NP Colony NP Puerto NP Rico NP remained VVD loyal JJ to TO Spain NP between IN 1810 CD and CC 1826 CD , , when WRB most JJS of IN the DT Spanish JJ colonies NNS in IN America NP achieved VVD independence NN . SENT There EX were VBD many JJ reasons NNS why WRB a DT strong JJ independence NN movement NN did VVD not RB develop VV on IN the DT island NN . SENT First RB , , many JJ Spanish JJ loyalists NNS immigrated VVD to TO Puerto NP Rico NP from IN nearby JJ colonies NNS , , such JJ as IN Venezuela NP , , when WRB the DT independence NN movements NNS began VVD . SENT They PP often RB settled VVD on IN the DT island NN , , bringing VVG with IN them PP families NNS and CC enough JJ wealth NN to TO begin VV new JJ lives NNS . SENT Second RB , , although IN Puerto NP Rico NP did VVD not RB have VH a DT very RB large JJ slave NN population NN , , it PP was VBD large JJ enough RB to TO cause VV many JJ whites NNS on IN the DT island NN to TO be VB fearful JJ that IN an DT independence NN war NN might MD trigger VV a DT slave NN uprising NN similar JJ to TO the DT one NN that WDT had VHD occurred VVN in IN Saint NP Domingue NP . SENT The DT planters NNS from IN Saint NP Domingue NP who WP settled VVD in IN Puerto NP Rico NP contributed VVD to TO this DT attitude NN . SENT Finally RB , , Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD heavily RB garrisoned VVN with IN Spanish JJ troops NNS who WP would MD have VH made VVN a DT successful JJ independence NN movement NN extremely RB unlikely JJ . SENT The DT island NN hosted VVD many JJ troops NNS who WP were VBD sent VVN there RB to TO recuperate VV from IN military JJ campaigns NNS on IN the DT American JJ mainland NN , , as RB well RB as IN many JJ naval JJ ships NNS that WDT docked VVD for IN repair NN and CC provisions NNS . SENT Yet CC there EX were VBD some DT separatists NNS who WP wanted VVD the DT colony NN to TO strike VV out RP for IN independence NN . SENT In IN 1812 CD the DT authorities NNS uncovered VVD a DT planned JJ rebellion NN before IN it PP could MD be VB carried VVN out RP , , and CC they PP executed VVD two CD rebel NN leaders NNS . SENT During IN the DT following VVG years NNS , , several JJ Puerto NP Rican NP creoles NNS Puerto NP Ricans NP of IN Spanish JJ heritage NN were VBD suspected VVN of IN planning VVG uprisings NNS against IN the DT Spanish JJ government NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC were VBD deported VVN or CC imprisoned VVN . SENT By IN 1830 CD all DT Spanish JJ American JJ colonies NNS were VBD independent JJ except IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC Cuba NP . SENT Spain NP rewarded VVD its PP$ two CD loyal JJ colonies NNS by IN lifting VVG economic JJ restrictions NNS . SENT In IN 1815 CD Spain NP issued VVD the DT C NP dula NP de NP Gracias NP , , a DT royal JJ decree NN designed VVN to TO improve VV the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ economy NN . SENT The DT decree NN reduced VVD import NN taxes NNS , , known VVN as IN tariffs NNS , , on IN items NNS imported VVN from IN Spain NP . SENT This DT in IN turn NN increased VVD imports NNS of IN such JJ items NNS as IN agricultural JJ equipment NN , , which WDT helped VVD expand VV the DT sugar NN industry NN . SENT Spain NP also RB permitted VVD trade NN with IN friendly JJ nations NNS , , which WDT opened VVD up RP trade NN between IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC the DT United NP States NPS . SENT The DT decree NN also RB encouraged VVN whites NNS and CC free JJ people NNS of IN color NN to TO immigrate VV to TO the DT island NN . SENT It PP granted VVD free JJ white JJ immigrant NN heads VVZ of IN households NNS about IN 2 CD . SENT 5 CD hectares NNS about IN 6 CD acres NNS of IN land NN , , with IN another DT roughly RB 1 CD . SENT 2 CD hectares NNS about IN 3 CD acres NNS for IN each DT slave NN they PP brought VVD with IN them PP . SENT Free JJ black JJ and CC mulatto JJ immigrants NNS who WP were VBD heads NNS of IN households NNS received VVN about IN 1 CD . SENT 2 CD hectares NNS about IN 3 CD acres NNS . SENT If IN they PP brought VVD slaves NNS with IN them PP , , they PP were VBD granted VVN additional JJ allotments NNS equal JJ to TO about RB 0 CD . SENT 6 CD hectares NNS about IN 1 CD . SENT 5 CD acres NNS for IN each DT slave NN . SENT Spain NP was VBD not RB as RB liberal JJ towards IN Puerto NP Rico NP in IN the DT political JJ sphere NN . SENT During IN the DT period NN when WRB many JJ Spanish JJ colonies NNS became VVD independent JJ , , the DT governor NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP ruled VVD with IN an DT iron NN hand NN and CC attempted VVD to TO quash VV any DT liberal JJ sentiment NN that WDT called VVD for IN greater JJR self NN government NN on IN the DT island NN . SENT Spain NP s PP new JJ constitution NN of IN 1837 CD deprived VVD Puerto NP Rico NP of IN representation NN in IN the DT Spanish JJ parliament NN , , which WDT had VHD been VBN granted VVN under IN the DT constitution NN of IN 1812 CD . SENT The DT new JJ constitution NN stated VVN that IN Spain NP would MD govern VV Puerto NP Rico NP by IN Leyes NP Especiales NP Special JJ Laws NP , , which WDT , , supposedly RB , , would MD be VB more RBR attentive JJ to TO the DT colony NN s PP needs VVZ than IN traditional JJ governmental JJ means NNS . SENT However RB , , Spain NP never RB implemented VVD the DT Special JJ Laws NP , , and CC Puerto NP Rico NP remained VVD under IN the DT near JJ absolute JJ rule NN of IN the DT Spanish JJ governor NN . SENT Between IN 1837 CD and CC the DT 1860 CD s PP there RB was VBD very RB little JJ political JJ unrest NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP because IN the DT Spanish JJ government NN and CC military JJ maintained VVN strong JJ control NN over IN the DT island NN . SENT Dissidents NNS organized VVD a DT separatist NN movement NN in IN 1838 CD , , but CC the DT government NN discovered VVD the DT movement NN , , executing VVG several JJ participants NNS and CC imprisoning VVG others NNS . SENT Additionally RB , , some DT slave NN rebellions NNS took VVD place NN during IN this DT period NN . SENT The DT situation NN changed VVN during IN the DT 1860 CD s PP , , when WRB representatives NNS from IN Puerto NP Rico NP were VBD invited VVN to TO Spain NP to TO help VV formulate VV new JJ laws NNS to TO better JJR conditions NNS in IN the DT colony NN . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican NP representatives NNS supported VVD laws NNS to TO improve VV economic JJ and CC political JJ conditions NNS and CC to TO abolish VV slavery NN . SENT However RB , , the DT representatives NNS left JJ Spain NP having VHG only RB received VVN vague JJ promises NNS that IN Spain NP might MD enact VV the DT laws NNS . SENT After IN having VHG offered VVN Puerto NP Ricans NP the DT possibility NN of IN change NN , , the DT Spanish JJ government NN had VHD shattered VVN the DT hopes NNS of IN many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP . SENT Growing VVG numbers NNS of IN people NNS began VVD to TO support VV autonomy NN self NN government NN in IN internal JJ matters NNS or CC even RB independence NN . SENT Their PP$ reasons NNS were VBD varied VVN . SENT Some DT were VBD dedicated VVN abolitionists NNS individuals NNS committed VVN to TO ending VVG slavery NN . SENT Others NNS were VBD more RBR concerned VVN with IN the DT need NN to TO liberalize VV the DT political JJ or CC economic JJ systems NNS . SENT In IN addition NN , , many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP who WP were VBD born VVN on IN the DT island NN came VVD to TO resent VV the DT privileges NNS extended VVN to TO new JJ immigrants NNS from IN Spain NP . SENT These DT immigrants NNS received VVD preferential JJ treatment NN in IN areas NNS ranging VVG from IN hiring VVG for IN government NN positions NNS to TO the DT availability NN of IN credit NN . SENT Currents NNS of IN unrest NN soon RB came VVD together RB in IN Puerto NP Rico NP s VVZ most RBS famous JJ uprising NN , , which WDT occurred VVD in IN the DT town NN of IN Lares NP in IN 1868 CD . SENT In IN the DT uprising NN , , known VVN as IN El NP Grito NP de NP Lares NP the DT Cry NN of IN Lares NP , , several JJ hundred CD men NNS declared VVD the DT independence NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC established VVD a DT provisional JJ government NN . SENT But CC the DT Spanish JJ government NN easily RB suppressed VVD the DT revolt NN in IN a DT matter NN of IN days NNS . SENT However RB , , changes NNS in IN the DT Spanish JJ government NN soon RB had VHD an DT impact NN on IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT In IN September NP 1868 CD an DT insurrection NN in IN Spain NP deposed VVN the DT Spanish JJ queen NN Isabella NP II NP . SENT A DT constitution NN establishing VVG a DT constitutional JJ monarchy NN was VBD adopted VVN in IN 1869 CD , , and CC a DT new JJ king NN , , Amadeo NP , , accepted VVD the DT throne NN in IN 1870 CD . SENT As IN the DT Spanish JJ government NN became VVD more RBR liberal JJ , , the DT abolitionist JJ movement NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP found VVD support NN in IN Spain NP . SENT In IN 1870 CD the DT Spanish JJ parliament NN passed VVD the DT Moret NP Law NP , , which WDT ordered VVD the DT emancipation NN of IN all DT government NN owned VVD slaves NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , as RB well RB as IN slaves NNS over IN the DT age NN of IN 60 CD or CC under IN the DT age NN of IN 2 CD . SENT The DT government NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP soon RB emancipated VVD about IN 10 CD , , 000 CD slaves NNS . SENT By IN this DT time NN , , the DT issue NN for IN slave NN owners NNS was VBD not RB whether IN there EX would MD be VB complete JJ abolition NN , , but CC whether IN the DT government NN would MD provide VV compensation NN when WRB abolition NN occurred VVD . SENT In IN 1873 CD Spain NP abolished VVD all DT slavery NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT The DT remaining JJ slaves NNS , , about IN 30 CD , , 000 CD , , were VBD set VVN free JJ , , but CC they PP were VBD required VVN to TO serve VV a DT three CD year NN apprenticeship NN to TO their PP$ former JJ masters NNS . SENT The DT government NN paid VVD compensation NN to TO the DT slave NN owners NNS over IN a DT ten CD year NN period NN . SENT Former JJ slaves NNS became VVD known VVN as IN libertos NNS Spanish JJ for IN freed VVN . SENT Spain NP also RB enacted VVD political JJ reforms NNS , , which WDT had VHD a DT profound JJ effect NN on IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT The DT colony NN was VBD represented VVN in IN the DT Spanish JJ parliament NN for IN the DT first JJ time NN since IN 1837 CD , , and CC the DT island NN s PP press NN had VHD greater JJR freedom NN to TO discuss VV important JJ issues NNS . SENT In IN this DT more RBR liberal JJ atmosphere NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP s PP first JJ political JJ parties NNS were VBD formed VVN . SENT The DT first JJ was VBD the DT Liberal JJ Reformist NN Party NP Partido NP Liberal NP Reformista NP , , followed VVN by IN the DT Liberal NP Conservative NP Party NP Partido NP Liberal NP Conservador NP . SENT The DT Liberal NP Reformist NN Party NP favored JJ assimilation NN that WDT is VBZ , , it PP wanted VVD Puerto NP Rico NP to TO become VV a DT province NN of IN Spain NP rather RB than IN a DT colony NN . SENT The DT Conservative NP Party NP wanted VVD to TO maintain VV the DT island NN s PP colonial JJ status NN . SENT Dissent NN within IN the DT Liberal JJ Reformist NN Party NP led VVD to TO the DT creation NN of IN the DT Puerto NP Rican NP Autonomist NN Party NP Partido NP Autonomista NP Puertorrique NP o NN in IN 1887 CD . SENT The DT Autonomists NNS desired VVD self NN government NN for IN Puerto NP Rico NP in IN internal JJ matters NNS while IN maintaining VVG Puerto NP Rico NP s PP close VV association NN with IN Spain NP . SENT The DT first JJ leader NN of IN the DT Autonomists NNS was VBD Rom NP n NN Baldorioty NP de NP Castro NP . SENT When WRB Baldorioty NP de NP Castro NP resigned VVD due JJ to TO poor JJ health NN , , Luis NP Mu NP oz NP Rivera NP , , a DT liberal JJ newspaper NN editor NN , , emerged VVD as IN the DT party NN s PP most RBS influential JJ member NN . SENT The DT Autonomist NN Party NP decided VVD to TO try VV to TO align VV itself PP with IN the DT Spanish NP Liberal NP Party NP , , one CD of IN Spain NP s VVZ two CD mainstream JJ parties NNS , , to TO achieve VV Puerto NP Rican JJ self NN government NN . SENT The DT proposed VVN alliance NN caused VVD great JJ dissension NN within IN the DT party NN and CC led VVD to TO a DT split NN in IN party NN ranks NNS . SENT From IN the DT split NN , , Mu NP oz NP Rivera NP created VVD the DT Liberal JJ Fusionist NN Party NP Partido NP Liberal NP Fusionista NP , , and CC members NNS of IN the DT party NN went VVD to TO Madrid NP to TO discuss VV the DT terms NNS of IN the DT island NN s PP self NN government NN with IN the DT Spanish JJ Liberals NNS . SENT International NP events NNS contributed VVD to TO the DT fulfillment NN of IN Puerto NP Rican JJ self NN government NN . SENT In IN 1895 CD a DT major JJ rebellion NN against IN Spanish JJ rule NN erupted VVD in IN Cuba NP that WDT eventually RB led VVD to TO the DT Spanish JJ American JJ War NP 1898 CD . SENT As IN the DT rebellion NN spread NN , , Spain NP made VVD efforts NNS to TO keep VV Puerto NP Rico NP loyal JJ . SENT In IN 1897 CD , , following VVG the DT assassination NN of IN the DT Spanish JJ prime JJ minister NN , , a DT new JJ government NN came VVD to TO power NN in IN Spain NP led VVD by IN the DT Spanish NP Liberal NP Party NP . SENT The DT new JJ Spanish JJ government NN lost VVD no DT time NN in IN decreeing VVG three CD fundamental JJ reforms NNS for IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT It PP granted VVD all DT Puerto NP Rican JJ citizens NNS full JJ political JJ and CC civil JJ rights NNS , , extended VVD the DT vote NN to TO all DT Puerto NP Rican JJ male JJ citizens NNS who WP were VBD 25 CD years NNS of IN age NN or CC older JJR , , and CC gave VVD Puerto NP Rico NP local JJ self NN government NN within IN the DT Spanish JJ system NN . SENT The DT Autonomic JJ Charter NP , , as IN the DT reforms NNS were VBD known VVN , , granted VVD Puerto NP Rico NP a DT governor NN general NN , , a DT cabinet NN , , and CC a DT bicameral JJ legislature NN . SENT At IN the DT same JJ time NN , , it PP maintained VVD the DT island NN s PP representation NN in IN the DT Spanish JJ parliament NN . SENT The DT Spanish JJ monarch NN appointed VVD the DT governor NN general NN , , who WP could MD dissolve VV the DT legislature NN and CC suspend VV constitutional JJ guarantees NNS . SENT Although IN the DT governor NN general NN had VHD extensive JJ powers NNS , , the DT legislature NN had VHD considerable JJ influence NN in IN domestic JJ affairs NNS . SENT The DT legislature NN consisted VVD of IN an DT elected VVN House NP of IN Representatives NPS and CC an DT Administrative NP Council NP , , of IN which WDT 8 CD of IN its PP$ 15 CD members NNS were VBD elected VVN . SENT Elections NNS took VVD place NN under IN the DT new JJ system NN , , and CC the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ legislature NN met VVN for IN the DT first JJ time NN in IN 1898 CD . SENT C SYM . SENT The DT Spanish NP American NP War NP Just RB as IN Puerto NP Rico NP gained VVD its PP$ new JJ government NN , , however RB , , the DT Spanish NP American NP War NP broke VVD out RP between IN Spain NP and CC the DT United NP States NPS . SENT Eight CD days NNS after IN the DT legislature NN convened VVD , , American JJ forces NNS invaded VVD Puerto NP Rico NP , , and CC the DT short JJ period NN of IN autonomy NN ended VVN abruptly RB . SENT During IN the DT Spanish NP American NP War NP , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT troops NNS landed VVD at IN Gu NP nica NP , , on IN the DT southern JJ coast NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT No DT serious JJ fighting NN occurred VVD on IN the DT island NN , , and CC the DT war NN was VBD over IN a DT few JJ weeks NNS later RBR . SENT Under IN the DT 1898 CD Treaty NP of IN Paris NP that WDT ended VVD the DT war NN , , Spain NP ceded VVD Puerto NP Rico NP to TO the DT United NP States NPS . SENT The DT United NP States NPS set VVD up RP a DT military JJ government NN for IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , while IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP was VBD given VVN authority NN for IN determining VVG the DT future JJ status NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT D SYM . SENT United NP States NPS Control NP In IN 1900 CD the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP passed VVD the DT Foraker NP Act NP , , which WDT established VVD civil JJ government NN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP but CC did VVD not RB clearly RB define VV the DT colony NN s PP relationship NN with IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT Under IN the DT Foraker NP Act NP , , the DT people NNS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP became VVD subject JJ to TO U NP . SENT S NP . SENT federal JJ law NN . SENT However RB , , they PP did VVD not RB become VV citizens NNS of IN the DT United NP States NPS , , and CC they PP were VBD exempted VVN from IN paying VVG federal JJ income NN taxes NNS . SENT Under IN the DT new JJ civil JJ government NN , , the DT president NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS appointed VVD the DT governor NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP all DT Americans NNS until IN 1946 CD . SENT the DT governor NN s PP Executive NP Council NP , , executive JJ officers NNS who WP served VVD as IN the DT upper JJ house NN of IN the DT legislature NN . SENT and CC the DT justices NNS of IN the DT island NN s PP Supreme NP Court NP . SENT The DT lower JJR house NN , , the DT House NP of IN Delegates NPS , , was VBD popularly RB elected VVN . SENT However RB , , the DT governor NN or CC the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP could MD veto VV any DT law NN passed VVN by IN the DT legislature NN . SENT An DT elected VVN resident NN commissioner NN represented VVD the DT island NN in IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT House NP of IN Representatives NPS , , but CC the DT commissioner NN could MD not RB vote VV on IN legislation NN . SENT In IN addition NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD not RB permitted VVN to TO arrange VV any DT commercial JJ treaties NNS . SENT The DT Foraker NP Act NP deeply RB disappointed VVD the DT many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP who WP desired VVD either DT statehood NN or CC independence NN . SENT For IN them PP , , the DT situation NN would MD soon RB worsen VV . SENT In IN 1901 CD , , in IN the DT so RB called VVN Insular JJ Cases NNS , , the DT Supreme NP Court NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS held VVD that IN Puerto NP Rico NP and CC other JJ territory NN acquired VVN as IN a DT result NN of IN the DT Spanish NP American NP War NP was VBD unincorporated JJ territory NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT This DT decision NN meant VVN that IN Puerto NP Rico NP belonged VVD to TO , , but CC was VBD not RB part NN of IN , , the DT United NP States NPS . SENT Furthermore RB , , the DT court NN held VVN that IN the DT Constitution NP of IN the DT United NP States NPS did VVD not RB necessarily RB apply VV to TO Puerto NP Ricans NP . SENT By IN the DT end NN of IN 1901 CD , , Puerto NP Ricans NP were VBD even RB more RBR disappointed JJ over IN their PP$ status NN with IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT D SYM . SENT 1 LS . SENT Efforts NNS to TO Establish VV a DT Free NP Status NN Puerto NP Ricans NP began VVD a DT long JJ series NN of IN efforts NNS to TO decide VV on RP and CC establish VV a DT dignified JJ , , free JJ status NN for IN the DT island NN . SENT By IN 1909 CD opposition NN to TO the DT Foraker NP Act NP was VBD so RB intense JJ that IN , , as IN a DT protest NN , , the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ legislature NN refused VVD to TO enact VV any DT legislation NN at IN all DT . SENT By IN this DT time NN , , many JJ Puerto NP Ricans NP were VBD talking VVG about IN independence NN . SENT After IN several JJ years NNS of IN debate NN about IN the DT island NN s PP status NN , , in IN 1917 CD the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP passed VVD the DT Jones NP Act NP . SENT This DT act NN granted VVN Puerto NP Ricans NP U NP . SENT S NP . SENT citizenship NN and CC allowed VVD them PP to TO elect VV both DT of IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP legislative JJ chambers NNS , , replacing VVG the DT appointed VVN Executive NP Council NP with IN an DT elected VVN Senate NP . SENT However RB , , the DT president NN still RB appointed VVN the DT governor NN , , executive JJ officers NNS , , and CC Supreme NP Court NP judges NNS . SENT Furthermore RB , , the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP could MD annul VV any DT Puerto NP Rican JJ legislation NN . SENT After IN the DT United NP States NPS gained VVD control NN of IN the DT island NN , , the DT economic JJ situation NN also RB changed VVD dramatically RB . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP , , which WDT for IN years NNS had VHD conducted VVN most JJS of IN its PP$ trade NN with IN Spain NP and CC other JJ European JJ countries NNS , , now RB found VVD itself PP cut VVD off RP from IN its PP$ traditional JJ trading NN partners NNS . SENT After IN 1900 CD sugar NN became VVD Puerto NP Rico NP s PP main JJ export NN crop NN . SENT The DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT government NN granted VVD the DT island NN s PP sugar NN tax NN free JJ entrance NN into IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT market NN . SENT United NP States NP investors NNS jumped VVD at IN the DT opportunity NN and CC invested VVD heavily RB in IN Puerto NP Rican JJ sugar NN estates NNS . SENT By IN 1930 CD the DT island NN s PP sugar NN production NN had VHD risen VVN by IN about IN 1 CD , , 000 CD percent NN . SENT Puerto NP Rican NP farmers NNS exported VVD almost RB all RB of IN their PP$ sugar NN to TO the DT United NP States NP , , where WRB it PP was VBD refined VVN and CC sold VVN . SENT Most JJS of IN the DT profits NNS from IN sugar NN sales NNS went VVD to TO sugar NN refining NN companies NNS in IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT There EX was VBD another DT fundamental JJ problem NN with IN Puerto NP Rican JJ sugar NN production NN after IN the DT United NP States NPS took VVD control NN of IN the DT island NN . SENT Investors NNS from IN the DT United NP States NP soon RB played VVD a DT dominant JJ role NN in IN the DT sugar NN industry NN , , and CC large JJ businesses NNS squeezed VVN out IN independent JJ local JJ farmers NNS . SENT Sugar NN companies NNS bought VVD up RP parcels NNS of IN land NN and CC consolidated VVD them PP into IN large JJ estates NNS . SENT By IN 1930 CD U NP . SENT S NP . SENT companies NNS owned VVN or CC had VHD rights NNS to TO about RB 25 CD percent NN of IN all DT of IN the DT island NN s PP sugarcane JJ land NN , , and CC corporations NNS controlled VVD more JJR than IN 45 CD percent NN of IN all DT of IN the DT land NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP s PP small JJ landowning JJ farmers NNS had VHD little JJ place NN in IN this DT era NN of IN modern JJ , , large JJ scale NN agriculture NN . SENT D SYM . SENT 2 LS . SENT Growing VVG Discontent NN In IN the DT late JJ 1920 CD s PP and CC 1930 CD s PP , , economic JJ and CC natural JJ disasters NNS struck VVD the DT island NN . SENT San NP Felipe NP , , a DT hurricane NN that WDT hit VVD the DT island NN in IN 1928 CD , , destroyed VVD a DT quarter NN of IN a DT million CD homes NNS , , and CC another DT hurricane NN struck VVD in IN 1932 CD . SENT During IN the DT worldwide JJ depression NN of IN the DT 1930 CD s PP , , the DT situation NN worsened VVD . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP depended VVD heavily RB on IN the DT sale NN of IN its PP$ exports NNS , , especially RB sugar NN , , but CC world NN prices NNS for IN these DT commodities NNS dropped VVD severely RB . SENT The DT depression NN caused VVD unemployment NN to TO mount VV . SENT The DT situation NN was VBD also RB made VVN worse JJR by IN the DT increase NN in IN the DT size NN of IN the DT island NN s PP population NN , , which WDT had VHD expanded VVN since IN 1900 CD as IN a DT result NN of IN improved JJ health NN conditions NNS and CC a DT rising VVG birthrate NN . SENT During IN the DT 1930 CD s PP , , much RB of IN the DT island NN s PP population NN suffered VVN from IN severe JJ economic JJ deprivation NN . SENT The DT establishment NN of IN various JJ relief NN programs NNS as IN part NN of IN the DT New NP Deal NN policies NNS of IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT president NN Franklin NP Delano NP Roosevelt NP did VVD little RB to TO alleviate VV suffering NN on IN the DT island NN . SENT A DT movement NN to TO establish VV Puerto NP Rican NP independence NN erupted VVD during IN this DT period NN , , led VVN by IN Pedro NP Albizu NP Campos NP and CC his PP$ small JJ Nationalist NN Party NP . SENT Albizu NP Campos NP , , a DT fiery JJ public JJ speaker NN , , was VBD a DT graduate NN of IN Harvard NP Law NP School NP and CC had VHD served VVN in IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Army NP . SENT Unsuccessful JJ at IN the DT polls NNS in IN 1932 CD , , the DT Nationalists NNS demanded VVD independence NN at IN once RB , , as IN a DT right NN to TO be VB taken VVN violently RB if IN necessary JJ . SENT They PP marched VVD in IN protest NN against IN the DT island NN legislature NN . SENT Assassins NNS killed VVD the DT chief NN of IN police NNS of IN San NP Juan NP in IN 1936 CD , , a DT murder NN that WDT was VBD attributed VVN to TO members NNS of IN the DT Nationalist JJ Party NP . SENT The DT worst JJS violence NN occurred VVD in IN Ponce NP in IN 1937 CD , , when WRB police NNS stopped VVD a DT Nationalist JJ Party NP parade NN . SENT It PP is VBZ not RB clear JJ who WP was VBD responsible JJ for IN the DT outbreak NN , , but CC about RB 20 CD people NNS were VBD killed VVN and CC 100 CD wounded VVN . SENT Albizu NP Campos NP was VBD arrested VVN and CC sentenced VVN to TO prison NN terms NNS on IN several JJ occasions NNS for IN advocating VVG and CC planning VVG violence NN against IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT government NN . SENT In IN response NN to TO this DT agitation NN for IN independence NN , , two CD bills NNS were VBD introduced VVN in IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP in IN 1936 CD and CC 1937 CD demanding JJ independence NN for IN the DT island NN . SENT Neither DT bill NN passed VVD . SENT Opponents NNS argued VVD that IN Puerto NP Rico NP s PP economic JJ and CC social JJ conditions NNS had VHD to TO be VB improved VVN before IN its PP$ status NN could MD be VB settled VVN . SENT D SYM . SENT 3 LS . SENT The DT Statehood NN Question NN In IN 1938 CD Luis NP Mu NP oz NP Mar NP n NN , , son NN of IN autonomist NN leader NN Luis NP Mu NP oz NP Rivera NP , , founded VVD the DT Popular NP Democratic NP Party NP Partido NP Popular NP Democr NP tico NP , , PPD NP . SENT A DT highly RB intelligent JJ individual NN and CC an DT excellent JJ writer NN , , Mu NP oz NP Mar NP n NN had VHD lived VVN for IN many JJ years NNS on IN the DT mainland NN and CC was VBD bilingual JJ . SENT He PP was VBD also RB a DT gifted JJ politician NN . SENT In IN 1940 CD the DT PPD NN gained VVD control NN of IN the DT Puerto NP Rican JJ legislature NN by IN a DT small JJ margin NN . SENT The DT party NN pledged VVD to TO improve VV conditions NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , leaving VVG aside RB for IN a DT time NN the DT question NN of IN the DT island NN s PP status NN . SENT With IN the DT support NN of IN the DT United NP States NPS , , the DT PPD NN greatly RB contributed VVD to TO Puerto NP Rico NP s PP economic JJ growth NN through IN the DT industrialization NN program NN known VVN as IN Operation NN Bootstrap NN , , which WDT began VVD in IN 1947 CD . SENT Even RB as IN the DT economy NN improved VVD , , however RB , , Puerto NP Rico NP continued VVD to TO focus VV on IN the DT crucial JJ issue NN of IN its PP$ constitutional JJ status NN . SENT In IN 1946 CD local JJ autonomy NN increased VVD when WRB U NP . SENT S NP . SENT president NN Harry NP Truman NP appointed VVD the DT first JJ native JJ Puerto NP Rican JJ governor NN , , Jes VVZ s PP Pi NP ero NP , , a DT former JJ resident NN commissioner NN . SENT In IN 1949 CD Mu NP oz NP Mar NP n NN became VVD the DT first JJ elected JJ governor NN after IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP amended VVD a DT law NN to TO allow VV Puerto NP Ricans NP to TO elect VV their PP$ own JJ governor NN . SENT He PP was VBD reelected VVN in IN 1952 CD , , 1956 CD , , and CC 1960 CD . SENT Mu NP oz NP Mar NP n NN and CC the DT PPD NN were VBD determined VVN to TO achieve VV a DT relationship NN with IN the DT United NP States NP that WDT was VBD more RBR favorable JJ to TO Puerto NP Rico NP , , but CC it PP wanted VVD to TO do VV this DT through IN peaceful JJ means NNS . SENT Not RB all DT Puerto NP Ricans NP agreed VVD , , and CC in IN 1950 CD , , two CD nationalists NNS attempted VVN to TO assassinate VV President NP Truman NP in IN Washington NP , , D NP . SENT C SYM . SENT The DT PPD NN had VHD pledged VVN to TO seek VV authority NN for IN Puerto NP Ricans NP to TO write VV their PP$ own JJ constitution NN , , but CC it PP also RB sought VVD to TO maintain VV existing VVG economic JJ relations NNS with IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT The DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP responded VVD to TO the DT PPD NP s PP efforts NNS by IN passing VVG a DT law NN allowing VVG the DT people NNS of IN Puerto NP Rico NP to TO write VV their PP$ own JJ constitution NN and CC establish VV their PP$ own JJ government NN . SENT A DT constitutional JJ convention NN convened VVD to TO prepare VV the DT document NN . SENT In IN March NP 1952 CD Puerto NP Rican JJ voters NNS approved VVD the DT constitution NN in IN a DT popular JJ referendum NN , , and CC on IN July NP 25 CD , , 1952 CD , , the DT Commonwealth NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP was VBD officially RB established VVN . SENT E SYM . SENT Commonwealth NP Status FW The DT new JJ constitution NN gave VVD Puerto NP Ricans NP much RB greater JJR control NN over IN their PP$ own JJ affairs NNS . SENT It PP maintained VVD an DT elected VVN governor NN as IN chief JJ executive NN , , and CC an DT elected JJ , , two CD house NN legislature NN . SENT The DT governor NN would MD appoint VV officials NNS in IN the DT executive NN and CC judicial JJ branches NNS except IN the DT judges NNS of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT District NP Court NP . SENT The DT governor NN and CC the DT legislature NN had VHD authority NN over IN the DT commonwealth NN s PP education NN , , health NN , , and CC social JJ welfare NN systems NNS , , while IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT government NN maintained VVD control NN of IN the DT island NN s PP defense NN , , trade NN agreements NNS , , postal JJ system NN , , and CC foreign JJ relations NNS . SENT Furthermore RB , , branches NNS of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT military NN kept VVD a DT presence NN on IN the DT island NN at IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT military JJ installations NNS . SENT However RB , , commonwealth NN status NN did VVD not RB satisfy VV all DT Puerto NP Ricans NP . SENT some DT still RB insisted VVN on IN independence NN . SENT In IN March NP 1954 CD four CD nationalists NNS fired VVD shots NNS into IN the DT chamber NN of IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT House NP of IN Representatives NPS , , wounding VVG five CD members NNS . SENT The DT Commonwealth NP of IN Puerto NP Rico NP achieved VVD rapid JJ economic JJ and CC social JJ improvements NNS throughout IN the DT next JJ decade NN . SENT The DT island NN s PP unemployment NN rate NN declined VVD although IN it PP was VBD still RB high JJ by IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT standards NNS while IN private JJ investment NN to TO the DT island NN increased VVD . SENT In IN addition NN , , Puerto NP Rico NP s PP gross JJ national JJ product NN GNP NP , , the DT total JJ value NN of IN goods NNS and CC services NNS flowing VVG through IN the DT economy NN increased VVN by IN an DT average NN of IN 5 CD percent NN a DT year NN between IN 1950 CD and CC 1960 CD . SENT This DT was VBD a DT very RB impressive JJ rate NN of IN economic JJ growth NN , , and CC the DT electorate NN apparently RB approved VVD of IN the DT progress NN . SENT In IN the DT elections NNS of IN 1956 CD and CC 1960 CD the DT party NN responsible JJ for IN commonwealth NN status NN the DT PPD NN won VVD a DT majority NN of IN the DT votes NNS . SENT On IN July NP 25 CD , , 1962 CD , , the DT tenth JJ anniversary NN of IN the DT commonwealth NN , , Governor NP Mu NP oz NP Mar NP n NN proposed VVD a DT referendum NN to TO determine VV the DT future JJ status NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT However RB , , Mu NP oz NP Mar NP n NN had VHD come VVN to TO the DT conclusion NN that IN for IN the DT PPD NN to TO be VB a DT vital JJ political JJ force NN in IN the DT future NN , , it PP needed VVD new JJ leadership NN . SENT Mu NP oz NP did VVD not RB seek VV reelection NN as IN governor NN in IN 1964 CD . SENT The DT party NN s PP new JJ candidate NN , , Roberto NP S NP nchez NP Vilella NP , , became VVD Puerto NP Rico NP s PP second JJ elected JJ governor NN . SENT The DT referendum NN was VBD held VVN in IN 1967 CD , , with IN more JJR than IN two CD thirds NNS of IN the DT people NNS approving VVG commonwealth NN status NN . SENT In IN the DT 1970 CD s PP Puerto NP Rico NP s PP economic JJ growth NN stopped VVN under IN the DT impact NN of IN worldwide JJ inflation NN and CC a DT recession NN in IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT economy NN . SENT The DT GNP NP declined VVD , , and CC unemployment NN , , high JJ in IN the DT best JJS of IN times NNS , , rose VVD sharply RB . SENT Largely RB because IN of IN these DT economic JJ problems NNS , , the DT PPD NP candidate NN was VBD defeated VVN , , and CC the DT candidate NN of IN the DT New NP Progressive NP Party NP PNP NP , , Carlos NP Romero NP Barcel NP , , was VBD elected VVN governor NN in IN 1976 CD . SENT Romero NP , , a DT firm NN advocate NN of IN statehood NN for IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , chose VVD to TO play VV down RP the DT statehood NN issue NN . SENT After IN the DT 1980 CD elections NNS , , he PP retained VVD his PP$ office NN by IN only RB a DT narrow JJ margin NN while IN the DT PPD NN scored VVD impressive JJ victories NNS in IN legislative JJ and CC mayoral JJ contests NNS . SENT Rafael NP Hern NP ndez NP Col NN n NN , , the DT PPD NP candidate NN , , overwhelmingly RB defeated VVD Romero NP Barcel NP in IN 1984 CD and CC won VVD reelection NN in IN 1988 CD . SENT Four CD years NNS later RBR the DT governorship NN and CC control NN of IN the DT legislature NN passed VVD to TO the DT pro JJ statehood NN PNP NN led VVN by IN Pedro NP Rossell NP . SENT Rossell NP had VHD promised VVN during IN his PP$ campaign NN to TO reduce VV taxes NNS for IN the DT middle JJ class NN and CC small JJ businesses NNS and CC to TO hold VV a DT referendum NN regarding VVG Puerto NP Rico NP s PP ties VVZ to TO the DT United NP States NPS . SENT The DT referendum NN , , authorized VVN by IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP , , was VBD held VVN in IN November NP 1993 CD . SENT Of IN the DT choices NNS of IN commonwealth NN , , statehood NN , , or CC independence NN , , Puerto NP Ricans NP voted VVD by IN a DT very RB narrow JJ margin NN to TO maintain VV their PP$ commonwealth NN relationship NN with IN the DT United NP States NPS . SENT The DT final JJ tally NN was VBD 49 CD percent NN for IN commonwealth NN , , 46 CD for IN statehood NN , , and CC 4 CD for IN independence NN . SENT About IN 1 CD percent NN of IN the DT votes NNS were VBD null JJ . SENT The DT Puerto NP Rican JJ economy NN suffered VVD several JJ setbacks NNS in IN the DT mid JJ 1990 CD s PP . SENT Hurricane NP Hortense NP swept VVD through IN the DT island NN in IN the DT fall NN of IN 1996 CD , , killing VVG at IN least JJS 20 CD people NNS and CC causing VVG extensive JJ damage NN to TO homes NNS , , businesses NNS , , and CC crops NNS . SENT In IN 1996 CD the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Congress NP , , facing VVG budgetary JJ problems NNS at IN home NN , , voted VVD to TO end VV tax NN breaks NNS for IN American JJ companies NNS that IN established JJ businesses NNS or CC invested VVN profits NNS in IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , and CC to TO phase VV out RP over IN a DT ten CD year NN period NN incentives NNS for IN companies NNS already RB established VVN in IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT Rossell NP remained VVD a DT popular JJ governor NN and CC was VBD reelected VVN for IN a DT second JJ term NN in IN 1996 CD . SENT In IN December NP 1998 CD voters NNS took VVD part NN in IN another DT referendum NN to TO decide VV the DT island NN s PP future JJ status NN . SENT Although IN Governor NP Rossell NP and CC the DT PNP NP urged VVD voters NNS to TO support VV statehood NN for IN Puerto NP Rico NP , , about RB 53 CD percent NN of IN voters NNS rejected VVD statehood NN . SENT In IN April NP 1999 CD a DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Marine JJ jet NN pilot NN accidentally RB killed VVD a DT Puerto NP Rican NP civilian JJ during IN a DT practice NN bombing NN run VVN at IN the DT naval JJ bombing NN range NN on IN the DT island NN of IN Vieques NP . SENT This DT incident NN aroused VVD widespread JJ opposition NN to TO the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT military JJ presence NN on IN Vieques NP , , and CC more JJR than IN 85 CD , , 000 CD people NNS marched VVN in IN San NP Juan NP to TO protest VV the DT resumption NN of IN any DT military JJ exercises NNS on IN the DT island NN . SENT In IN November NP 2000 CD Sila NP M NP . SENT Calder NP n NN of IN the DT PPD NN was VBD elected VVN governor NN of IN Puerto NP Rico NP . SENT Calder NP n NN , , the DT first JJ female JJ governor NN of IN the DT commonwealth NN , , pledged VVD to TO work VV to TO halt VV the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Navy NP s PP exercises VVZ on IN Vieques NP and CC to TO remove VV the DT Navy NP presence NN from IN that DT area NN . SENT In IN June NP 2001 CD U NP . SENT S NP . SENT president NN George NP W NP . SENT Bush NP announced VVD that IN the DT Navy NP would MD end VV military JJ exercises NNS on IN Vieques NP by IN May NP 2003 CD . SENT However RB , , protesters NNS continued VVD to TO demand VV that IN the DT Navy NP halt VV its PP$ exercises NNS immediately RB . SENT Contributed VVN By IN . SENT Jay NP Kinsbruner NP , , B NP . SENT A DT . SENT , , M NP . SENT A DT . SENT , , Ph NN . SENT D SYM . SENT Professor NN Emeritus NN of IN History NN , , Queens NP College NP , , and CC Professor NP of IN History NN , , the DT Graduate NP Center NP , , City NP University NP of IN New NP York NP . SENT Author NN of IN Not RB of IN Pure JJ Blood NP . SENT The DT Free NP People NNS of IN Color NP and CC Racial JJ Prejudice NN in IN Nineteenth JJ Century NP Puerto NP Rico NP , , Independence NN in IN Spanish NP America NP . SENT Civil JJ Wars NNS , , Revolutions NNS and CC Underdevelopment NN , , and CC Chile NP . SENT A DT Historical JJ Interpretation NN . SENT Puerto NP Rico NP , , Microsoft NP Encarta NP Online JJ Encyclopedia NN 2004 CD http NN . SENT encarta NP . SENT msn NN . SENT com NN 1997 CD 2004 CD Microsoft NP Corporation NP . SENT All DT Rights NP Reserved NP . SENT 1993 CD 2004 CD Microsoft NP Corporation NP . SENT All DT Rights NP Reserved NP . SENT Print NN