Spanish American Revolutions & Puerto Rican Politics

Spanish American Revolutions and Puerto Rican Politics (Early 19th Century)

• Corte de Cádiz: Spanish constituent assembly that drafted the 1812 Constitution.
• Ramón Power y Giralt: First Puerto Rican deputy in the Cortes of Cádiz, advocating for Puerto Rican interests.
• Napoleon Bonaparte: French military and political leader, proclaimed French Emperor.
• Pan: A staple food made from flour, important during times of scarcity.
• Alejandro Ramírez's Administration: Puerto Rican official implementing economic and administrative reforms in the early 19th century.
• Alejandro O'Reilly: Spanish military officer who reformed Puerto Rico in the 18th century; trained local soldiers for island defense.
• Intendencia: Spanish territorial administration office managing finances and economics. Similar to a bureaucratic office.
• Bernardo O'Higgins: Leader of Chilean independence.
• Facultades Omnímodas: Extensive Spanish colonial powers to govern and reform colonies.
• Juan Prim: Spanish military and political figure, governor of Puerto Rico in the 19th century.
• Miguel de la Torre: Spanish Governor of Puerto Rico who imposed repressive policies after the independence of the Latin American colonies.
• Juan de la Pezuela: Puerto Rican Governor known for educational and social reforms.
• Puerto Rican Grievances to Power and Giralt (Corte de Cádiz): Included requests for colonial autonomy and rights.
• Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla: Mexican priest who initiated the Mexican independence movement.
• José Bonaparte: Napoleon's brother, king of Spain during this period.
• Constitution of 1812: First liberal constitution of Spain, authored by the Cortes de Cádiz.
• Simón Bolívar: South American military and political leader who played a role in multiple Latin American independence movements.
• José de San Martín: Argentinian military leader, instrumental in the independence of Argentina, Chile & Peru.
• Real Cédula de Gracia: 1815 Spanish decree boosting immigration and trade in Puerto Rico.
• Enlightenment: 18th-century European intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and knowledge.
• Miguel de Henriquez: Puerto Rican 18th-century privateer and merchant, loyal to Spain.
• Ley Power: Power's legislative proposal emphasizing port expansion, tax reduction, and increased Creole opportunity in colonial administration.
• Spanish Colonial Independence Movements: Motivations included opposition to authoritarian rule and taxation policies.
• "No taxation without representation": Phrase summarizing American colonist sentiments regarding colonial taxation.
• French Revolution: Event marking the end of the Ancien Régime; key ideas included liberty, fraternity, and equality.
• Storming of the Bastille: Event marking the end of the French Ancien Régime.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Philosopher who challenged the Divine Right of Kings & advocated for popular sovereignty.
• Thomas Hobbes: English philosopher who advocated for a strong, centralized government.
• Montesquieu: French philosopher advocating for a separation of powers.
• Voltaire: French Enlightenment philosopher known for advocacy of individual liberties and freedom of thought.
• The Haitian Revolution: Independence movement in the Caribbean.
• Sugar Industry: Important economic contributor and source of wealth in the colonies.
• Guillotine: Device used for execution during the French Revolution (known for its use in the French Revolution).
• Luis XVI: King of France, executed during the revolution.
• England: A nation that actively exerted pressure on Puerto Rico during this time.
• Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País: Critically important organization promoting agricultural development through technology & seed imports.
• Carlos II: A major ruler of Spain's influence during revolution.

Additional Historical Context

• Independence of the Thirteen Colonies: Revolution resulted in the formation of the United States; ideals of liberty, fraternity, equality were adopted by other movements.