History of Puerto Rico and Spanish Rule :: Hispanic History Historical Essays

History of Puerto Rico and Spanish Rule The annals of Puerto Rico under Spanish rule is one of atomic number 63an victimization of non white peoples for the purpose of economic gain. The discovery made by capital of Ohio in 1492 had a great impact on the highly free-enterprise(a) countries in Europe who saw, in belt downs like Puerto Rico, the possibility of prosperity and advancement. much than hoping to spread their influence or religion, Europeans wanted to take advantage of the lands and resources which seemed unused. very the lands were being used quite successfully, but in unfamiliar ways which did not concern many Europeans. With little regard for the native people, Europe began conquering the eastern hemisphere in the name of colonization. Areas which had only know one race for centuries were flooded with people from either over the sphere seeking money and status. As the stakes grew, and select people and countries intemperately prospered off their colonies, ethi cal and moral restraint declined. The result was a introduction filled with a diverse group of races, extreme distinctions in crystalize differences, and mixing of culture. This was the case for Puerto Rico, which was just as much affected by colonialism as other areas, but has certain qualities which make the Puerto Rican identity unique. after(prenominal) conquering Puerto Rico in 1508 Juan Ponce de Leon looked for a labor issue which he could use to produce riches for Spain and himself. He attempted to intensity level the native Tainos into hard labor and plantation life, but could keep them neither controlled or stationary. Many Tainos escaped enslavement or other forms of force labor for two reasons (Figueroa, Sept. 24). First Tainos were historically a mobile culture, which roamed the land intentionally before the Spanish made it a necessity. Second, the hinterlands, the rough craggy interior of Puerto Rico, was easily accessible and navigable to Tainos, but extremely difficult for the Spanish. Thus, Whites were unsuccessful in their attempts to bind natives to the land because the Tainos were able to strategically belong away from their persecution. In their attempt to escape class persecution a subculture was organise in Puerto Rico. Many Puerto Ricans turned towards artistic means of expression, represented by the jibaro, because this was one area the Spanish could not restrict (Figueroa, Sept. 17). The result was the sum total expression of the life of the spirit through language in all of its forms (Valle Antilles, 95).