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Puerto Rico: The Trials of the Oldest Colony in the World,New
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The island of Puerto Rico has a severely distressed economy, is one of the most densely populated places on earth, and enjoys only limited political freedom. As a United States commonwealth, it is still treated by Congress as one of the last remaining colonies in the world. In this book a distinguished Puerto Rican legal scholar and former government official discusses the islands centuryold relationship with the United States and argues that the process of decolonization should begin immediately.Jos Tras Monge first describes the Spanish rule over Puerto Rico and then traces the impact of American colonial policies there, comparing them with those in the Pacific and the British, French, and Dutch experiences in the Caribbean. He argues that the large amounts of money the United States has given to Puerto Rico have not been productive: not only has the island become frightfully dependent on United States munificence but more than 60 percent of Puerto Rican families still live below the poverty line. Politically, the situation is even worse. The United States has granted Puerto Rico limited selfgovernment but has ignored the wishes of the Puerto Rican peopleas expressed in two plebiscitesfor greater autonomy, since it cannot make up its mind which decolonization option best serves American interests. Tras Monge discusses the various options of Puerto Rican independence, statehood, and an enhanced commonwealth status and urges the United States to end its present policy of inattention and inaction.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains two hundred forty pages. This length provides a comprehensive overview of Puerto Rico's historical and political context.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for extended reading sessions.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures nine point twenty-one inches in length, six point ten inches in width, and zero point ninety-one inches in height. These dimensions make it portable and convenient for travel.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is José Trías Monge. He is a distinguished Puerto Rican legal scholar who provides valuable insights into the island's political situation.
- Q: What topics does this book cover? A: The book discusses Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States and the process of decolonization. It explores historical policies and their impact on the island's economy and governance.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: The book is not specifically targeted at young readers. It addresses complex political themes that may be more suitable for adults or older teens.
- Q: How can I understand the political context discussed in this book? A: Reading the book will provide insights into Puerto Rico's political status and history. It offers a detailed analysis of colonial policies and their implications on the island.
- Q: What can I learn about Puerto Rico's economy from this book? A: The book highlights the economic challenges Puerto Rico faces, including poverty and dependence on U.S. aid. It critically evaluates the effectiveness of historical financial support.
- Q: Are there any illustrations in the book? A: Yes, the book contains twenty-eight illustrations. These visuals complement the text and help elucidate key points discussed by the author.
- Q: What is the main argument presented in the book? A: The main argument is that Puerto Rico's decolonization process should begin immediately. The author emphasizes the need for greater autonomy and self-determination.
- Q: How does the book compare Puerto Rico's situation to other territories? A: The book compares Puerto Rico's colonial status with experiences in the Pacific and other Caribbean territories. This comparative analysis enriches the reader's understanding of colonialism.
- Q: What is the significance of the plebiscites mentioned in the book? A: The plebiscites express the Puerto Rican people's desire for greater autonomy. The author discusses how U.S. policy has often ignored these democratic expressions.
- Q: What does the author suggest about U.S. policies towards Puerto Rico? A: The author argues that U.S. policies have been ineffective and calls for a reassessment of their approach to Puerto Rico's governance and autonomy.
- Q: Is there a focus on historical events in this book? A: Yes, the book provides a historical overview, detailing Puerto Rico's experience under Spanish and American rule. This context is crucial for understanding current issues.
- Q: How can this book contribute to discussions on colonialism? A: The book offers a critical perspective on colonialism, particularly in the context of U.S. territories. It serves as a resource for those interested in post-colonial studies.