On a hot September day in 2024, the Walter McK. Jones Foundation, Inc. hosted a pivotal event for historians and political figures to reflect on Puerto Rico’s political and economic history from the 1920s and 1930s. Leading the charge was Rigoberto Rodríguez Roche, Ph.D., who spent over three years rigorously researching Puerto Rico’s historical roots.
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Rodríguez Roche began his presentation by stating, “Today, I present a work that seeks to dismantle the myths that have shaped our view of that turbulent era.” Names like Walter McK. Jones, Ruby Black, the Chardón Plan, PRERA, and PRRA were not just forgotten footnotes in history books but were, in fact, the foundations of Puerto Rican identity.
Antonio R. Barceló and Puerto Rico’s Struggle for Economic Independence
Antonio R. Barceló, founder of the Liberal Party, was more than a politician. He believed that Puerto Rico’s political independence was unachievable without economic independence. His famous slogan, “Puerto Rico above all,” encouraged Puerto Ricans to take control of their future and not rely on foreign powers. As Rodríguez Roche noted, McK. Jones and Barceló shared a common vision: “Puerto Rico will achieve its economic independence, the foundation of its political independence.” This vision of economic freedom, however, was seen as threatening by some, with important historical records, such as Ruby Black’s archives, being sealed, and McK. Jones’ documents mysteriously destroyed.
The Political Evolution of Puerto Rico
Rodríguez Roche’s research didn’t stop at Barceló and McK. Jones. He also explored whether the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), founded by Luis Muñoz Marín, was a true offshoot of the Liberal Party or part of a larger plan to overshadow Barceló’s influence. The investigation left more questions than answers, but it sparked a deep reflection among those present.
One audience member, Carmen S. Colón Collazo, was especially captivated. This 63-year-old woman had always been curious about Puerto Rico’s political history, but Rodríguez Roche’s presentation planted the seeds of a personal quest to uncover the truth about her homeland’s past.
José Martí’s Influence on Puerto Rico’s Independence Movement
As Carmen left the event, her thoughts drifted to the larger picture of Puerto Rico’s history, particularly its ties to Latin American independence movements. Figures like José Martí, Luis Muñoz Rivera, and Pedro Albizu Campos had deeply impacted the island’s political landscape.
Martí, with his vision of a united Latin America free from colonial rule, viewed Cuba and Puerto Rico as “two wings of the same bird.” His ideals inspired the fight for independence in both countries. The Grito de Lares of 1868, though a failed attempt at independence, found new meaning in Martí’s ideas and was revitalized among Puerto Rican nationalists.
This influence extended to Luis Muñoz Rivera, leader of the Autonomist Party, who sought self-government under Spanish rule. However, with the U.S. invasion in 1898, Puerto Rico’s path shifted, and leaders like José Celso Barbosa began advocating for statehood.
The conflict between statehood and independence intensified with Pedro Albizu Campos, leader of the Nationalist Party, who embraced a more direct approach to colonial resistance. Albizu Campos’ fight for full independence was a stark contrast to Luis Muñoz Marín, who sought economic development through a middle ground that maintained ties to the United States.
What If Puerto Rico Had Followed Cuba’s Path?
Carmen couldn’t help but wonder, what if Puerto Rico had followed Cuba’s path to independence, as Martí envisioned? Would the island have developed differently if not for the Spanish-American War of 1898? The subsequent American invasion and control over Puerto Rico altered the course of history, pushing aside independence in favor of modernization under U.S. influence.
A Complex Legacy of Historical Figures
Carmen’s reflection on Puerto Rico’s history didn’t stop there. She also thought of other figures like Ramón Emeterio Baldorioty de Castro, Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, and Walter McK. Jones, who played crucial roles in shaping the island’s political destiny. From Baldorioty de Castro’s fight for autonomy to McK. Jones’ advocacy for Puerto Rican rights, these leaders laid the groundwork for the island’s future.
The contributions of Ruby Black, a journalist closely linked to Eleanor Roosevelt, further highlighted how Puerto Rico’s story intertwined with American politics. Black’s biography of Luis Muñoz Marín and her efforts to raise awareness about Puerto Rico’s needs showed how vital outside influence had been in the island’s journey toward greater autonomy.
Puerto Rico’s Economic Transformation: A Project of National Unity
The history of Puerto Rico between the 1940s and 1950s exemplifies the importance of a national project aimed at fostering economic, social, and political progress. This vision was embodied by Luis Muñoz Marín and his leadership in founding the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and launching the transformative Operación Manos a la Obra (Operation Bootstrap) initiative.
Muñoz Marín’s rise to power, beginning with his 1941 election as President of the Senate, paved the way for crucial reforms, including the Land Law of 1941, which aimed to redistribute land and empower the island’s agricultural workers. This reform was an essential first step toward creating a more equitable and self-sufficient economy in Puerto Rico.
By 1947, Muñoz Marín had spearheaded Operation Bootstrap, a program that helped diversify Puerto Rico’s economy, shifting its dependence from the sugar industry to manufacturing and industrialization. This massive economic transformation created thousands of jobs and improved living conditions, marking a significant leap forward for Puerto Rico’s development.
Achieving Political Autonomy: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Another key aspect of Puerto Rico’s national project was the push for political autonomy. The Elective Governor Act of 1947 allowed Puerto Ricans to elect their own governor for the first time. In 1948, Luis Muñoz Marín became the island’s first elected governor, a turning point in Puerto Rican politics.
Under Muñoz Marín’s leadership, the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act (Law 600) paved the way for the drafting of the Puerto Rican Constitution, leading to the establishment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Estado Libre Asociado) in 1952. This political status provided Puerto Rico with a greater degree of self-government, although it fell short of full independence.
Social Reforms and Legacy
In addition to economic and political reforms, Muñoz Marín’s government focused on improving education, healthcare, and housing. Thousands of new schools were built, and healthcare services expanded, significantly reducing illiteracy and improving public health.
However, the tensions between autonomy and independence movements, highlighted by the Nationalist Insurrection of 1950 and the enactment of the Gag Law (Ley de la Mordaza), demonstrated the complexities of balancing Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States.
A Lesson from History
Luis Muñoz Marín’s vision for Puerto Rico, from industrialization to political autonomy, represents a powerful national project aimed at transforming the island into a more just and prosperous society. While challenges remain, this period in Puerto Rican history stands as a testament to the potential for leadership and historical knowledge to drive meaningful change.
History teaches us that understanding the past is essential to building a better future. As Carmen S. Colón Collazo and others continue to explore Puerto Rico’s rich heritage, they uncover the lessons that will help shape the island’s path forward.
Explore more about Puerto Rico’s journey and future at FenixPuertoRico.com.