Role of Foreign Powers Adversely Affecting Puerto Ricans

Role of Foreign Powers Adversely Affecting Puerto Ricans Puerto Rico became Spain’s most fortified bastion in the Americas. And, not withstanding the granting of Spaniard citizenship to the islanders in 1812, Spain maintained a strong and influential hold on all activities occurring in the island. And, with the passing of the baton, the restraints imposed by the United States became more significant; and, the island became a stronger fortress under the American flag. At least, all free men born in Puerto Rico were citizens of Spain and had full representation in the Spanish Cortes; under territorial rule, the inhabitant of the island became American citizens after a considerable hiatus, but they did not accrue any voting representation in Congress. It would be fair to state that the people of Puerto Rico have been restrained overtly and subtly from developing a sense of national identity. That significant military garrisons were established in Puerto Rico to assert control over the insular population cannot be denied. And, the militaristic presence held the populace in almost virtual incarceration, which became a factor in suppressing the full development of a national marker in the islanders. Consequently, after centuries of having their spirits of independence stifled, a large segment of Puerto Rico’s people have progressively taken an attitude of political passivity. Many of them have become apathetic, have accepted a condition of stagnation, and eventually have entered a subculture of poverty. Of course, the explanations are not simplistic; and, there are superfluous theories competing to rationalize the marginalized status of a significant number of islanders. However, it is safe to say that the intrusive influence of overseas powers has played the decisive role in the development of pessimism and an attitude of fatalism in many of the islanders.