The political movement for Puerto Rican Independence has existed since the mid-19th century and has advocated independence of the island of Puerto Rico, in varying degrees, from Spain (in the 1800s) or the United States (from 1898 to the present day).
There have been many types of fights for independence in Puerto Rico, some violent and others peaceful. In 1868, the Grito de Lares took place, in which revolutionaries took over the town of Lares and declared the Republic of Puerto Rico. Ramón Emeterio Betances was the leader of this revolt. The revolt was "squashed" by the forces loyal to Spain
A number of other leaders, including Jose de Diego, a well-known intellectual and legislator had sought disconnection from the United States via political accommodation. Pedro Albizu Campos was an influential revolutionary leader in the early 20th century. He co-founded the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, a group that used violent means in an attempt to be gain independence from the United States. In the 1950s, the Nationalists staged an uprising in the island (The Jayuya Uprising) and attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman at Blair House, and in 1954 led an attack in the U.S. Capitol building that wounded several legislators.
Puerto Rico was allowed to have a constitution in 1952. The government suppressed the Nationalist leaders and their activities and the influence of the Nationalist Party waned. A spectrum of Nationalist sentiments and parties exists nowadays in Puerto Rico. A majority of independentistas today seek to achieve freedom through either the electoral or the diplomatic process. Gilberto Concepcion de Gracia founded the Puerto Rican Independence Party or PIP, the most influential organization participating in the electoral process. The party has scored great success's in electing some legislative candidates, but has failed to become a majority party in gubernatorial elections or in referendums about the political status of Puerto Rico. Its leader is currently Ruben Berrios.
See also
Last updated: 05-23-2005 14:30:49
