Puerto Rico became part of the United States as a result of the Spanish- American War. The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, officially ended the war and transferred control of Puerto Rico from Spain to the United States. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on February 6, 1899, and it came into effect on April 11, 1899, marking the official start of American governance over Puerto Rico.
Further key developments in Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory include:
- The Foraker Act of 1900, which established a civilian government on the island with officials appointed by the U.S. president.
- The Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, which granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.
- On July 25, 1952, Puerto Rico became a U.S. Commonwealth, gaining more local governance while remaining connected to the U.S..
Thus, the fundamental date when Puerto Rico became part of the U.S. is April 11, 1899, when U.S. governance officially began following the Treaty of Paris.
