How was Puerto Rico annexed by America in its bid for land in the Caraibbean?

Question

(after civil war)

Answer 1

Following the outcome of the Spanish-American war, Spain was forced to cede Puerto Rico, along with Cuba, the Philippines, and Guam to the United States under the Treaty of Paris (1898).

Answer 2

The USA took control of Puerto Rico in the Spanish-American War at the very end of the 1800s. It is, however, not a static situation. During the 1970s there were groups in PR that were terrorists, bombing American banks and gov't buildings with the specific intent to have PR gain its full independence. The USA finally agreed to allow PR to vote if they wanted to become a state, remain as a territory, or become independent. There was not majority for any of the three choices but a sizeable number wanted PR to become a state. After this the terrorists ceased activity. It should be noted that PR is a heavily subsidized territory. The USA gives more money to Puerto Rico and it citizens, per capita, than it does to any state of the citizens of any state. The Puerto Ricans have a good thing going by being a territory so it stands to reason why it neither wants to become a state or to be fully independent. Either way it would lose a huge amount of money.

Answer 3

Puerto Rico fell into US custody as part of the spoils of war, specifically the Spanish American War of 1898-1899.

Answer 4

Was transferred to the U.S. by way of the Treaty ending the Spanish - American War.