Spanish Colonial Reforms in Puerto Rico

Spanish Colonial Reforms in Puerto Rico

• Court of Cádiz: A Spanish constituent assembly that drafted the 1812 Constitution.
• Ramón Power y Giralt: The first Puerto Rican delegate in the Cortes of Cádiz.
• Napoleon Bonaparte: A French military and political leader who declared himself Emperor of France.
• Bread (Pan): A staple food used during times of scarcity.
• Alejandro Ramírez's Administration: An 1800s Puerto Rican Intendant who implemented economic and administrative reforms.
• Alejandro O'Reilly: A Spanish military official sent to Puerto Rico in the 1700s to implement reforms. He trained local troops.
• Intendancy: A territorial administrative office in the Spanish Empire responsible for financial and economic matters.
• Bernardo O'Higgins: Leader of Chile's independence movement.
• Omniscient Powers (Facultades Omnímodas): Broad powers granted to Spanish authorities in the colonies for governance and reform.
  • Juan Prim: A Spanish military and political figure who served as Governor of Puerto Rico in the 1800s.
  • Miguel de la Torre: A Spanish governor of Puerto Rico who enforced strict policies following the independence of other American colonies.

Other Historical Figures and Events

• Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla: A Mexican priest who initiated the Mexican independence movement.
• José Bonaparte: Napoleon's brother; he was King of Spain.
• Constitution of 1812: Spain's first liberal constitution. Created by the Cortes of Cádiz.
• Simón Bolívar: A South American military and political leader known for his role in Latin American independence efforts.
• José de San Martín: An Argentine general who contributed to the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
• Real Cédula of Grace (1815): A Spanish Decree that promoted immigration and trade in Puerto Rico
• The Enlightenment (Ilustración): A 18th-century European intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and progress.
• Miguel de Henriquez: An 18th-century Puerto Rican merchant and privateer known for allegiance to Spain.
• Ley Power: A proposed law by a Puerto Rican delegate advocating for better ports, reduced taxes, and greater opportunities for creoles (Spanish-born in the colonies) in colonial administration.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: A 18th century (philosopher) who influenced thoughts on liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.
• Jean Jaques: Against the divine right of kings.
• No Taxes Without Representation: A slogan expressing the colonists desire in relation to taxation.
• Storming of the Bastille: A pivotal event marking the end of the French Ancien Régime and beginning the French Revolution.
• Bishop Juan Alejo Arizmendi: The Bishop who delivered a ring to Ramón Power y Giralt.
• Colonial Independence Movements: The desire of colonies around the world to break away from colonial rule, due to issues like taxation and restrictions.
• English Colonial Control/Taxation: One of the reasons for independence movements from colonies.
• Carlos II: The Spanish king with no children who passed away.
• Sociedad Económica Amigos del País: Organizations in Spanish colonies formed by creoles, focusing on agriculture, development, & economic improvement.
• French Revolution: A period of radical social and political upheaval in France. Key concepts included liberty, fraternity, and equality
• Haitian Revolution: A slave revolt that led to the independence of Haiti.
• Guillotine: A device used for beheading during the French Revolution.
• Louis XVI: The French king executed during the French Revolution for treason.