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.

Discover the significant reforms implemented in Puerto Rico during the Spanish colonial period. This quiz covers key figures, events, and administrative changes that shaped the island's governance and economy. Test your knowledge of the Court of Cádiz, Alejandro Ramírez, and more.