In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt declared that the United States had to intervene in the internal affairs of Latin American. In his own words: “if any South American country misbehaves it should be spanked.”All US presidents that succeeded him have, in lesser or greater measure, continued to exercise their perceived right over a region often known as “America’s Backyard”. After more than 400 years of Spanish colonial domination, in 1897 Puerto Rico was given the right to govern over its affairs. only five months later, Spain and the US went to war over the last Spanish colonies in the region. American Forces occupied Puerto Rico.The Treaty of Paris clearly established that all Puerto Rican affairs were to be decided by the United States Congress.President Theodore Roosevelt recommended that Puerto Ricans become U.S. citizens.Despite the overwhelming opposition from the Puerto Rican legislators, in March 1917 the US Congress decided that all Puerto Ricans were now US citizens; but only to be ruled and not be given the rights. Many Puerto Ricans were forced to fight in the America’s wars and many died. Up to this day not much has changed, as that Treaty of Paris is still valid.

via America’s Backyard: Puerto Rico – YouTube.