Why didn't Puerto Rico become a US State? (Short Animated Documentary)

Many of America's 19th century territorial acquisitions became formal states in the 20th century but one notable exception is Puerto Rico. So why didn't it become a state? To find out watch this short and simple animated history documentary.
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[@Romalac]

"As such, in the American political tradition, it was time for can-kicking!" As a US citizen, I find this hilariously sad.

[@12jswilson]

If Soccer was played with a can instead of a ball, the US would be overwhelming favorites to win the world cup. No one kicks cans down the road like we do.

[@rogerpennel1798]

Give it statehood or give it independence. We have only had 120 years to make up our minds.

[@louis1443]

Yes as a Puerto Rican can we just become a state already what’s the hold up.

[@romulusnr]

The ERA, the closure of Guantanamo, the various state DST bills all feel seen

[@martyc909]

I feel like learning US history in school, all of our problems boil down to kicking the can and hoping someone else deals with it. 😂😂

[@camhabibi2217]

Fun fact: Puerto Rico's nonvoting representative in the House of Representatives is the only Member of Congress that serves a 4 year term. House members serve 2 years, Senators serve 6 years, but the resident commissioner of PR is unique.

[@egregius9314]

That is a fun fact.

[@robertrichard6107]

What about the one from the Virgin Islands?

[@ericsilver9401]

@@robertrichard6107 chad islands*

[@SeabooUsMultimedia]

@@robertrichard6107 2 years term for their nonvoting representative in the House of Representatives

[@camhabibi2217]

@@robertrichard6107 The nonvoting representatives for DC, the Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa all serve 2 year terms. Another fun fact: the rep from American Samoa is the only Member of Congress that can be a non-US citizen. People born in American Samoa are US nationals, not citizens.

[@DrewPicklesTheDark]

The few Puerto Ricans I have talked to were impartial/fine with the status-quo, but from what I understand, the ones who _do_ want statehood or independence feel strongly about it.

[@yondie491]

Yup. And they *TEND* to blame non-PR's about it, even though it's up to the citizens of PR to vote and apply (note: You have to have a legal vote, 2012's vote was... absurd).

[@matthewheald8964]

@@yondie491facts. I looked up the most recent referendum held on PR statehood and it was just less than 53% in favor of statehood (and the first pro statehood referendum I could find with more than a 50% registered turnout). And yet on a Spanish video about this very topic, the comments section was filled with Boricuas complaining about American colonialism 🤦🏻‍♂️ I love the place and the people, but some people really are unbelievable.

[@yondie491]

@@matthewheald8964 yeah, so many people are weirdly allergic to facts

[@lessonslearned2569]

@@yondie491 No it is not.

[@lessonslearned2569]

@@matthewheald8964 The part that it was a scam by the pro-statehood party?

[@christopherbowen1836]

0:35 I love the newspapers and treaties. It always is a challenge to pause the video quickly enough so I can read the whole thing.

[@thomasjgallagher924]

those are clever "Easter Eggs"

[@thomasjgallagher924]

It's interesting to see the different trajectories of the two tropical islands of the US (OK there's Guam and America Samoa, but for the sake of argument): Hawai'i is growing steadily and Puerto Rico is losing quite a substantial portion of its population to the mainland. There may be more Hawaiians today less keen on statehood than there are in PR, but I'd guess that DC may beat PR to the statehood podium.

[@texxon3355]

As a Puerto Rican living on the Island as I write this, I'm surprised it finally got it's own episode. The topic of status in PR is still very complicated. Yes, the independence support has decreased, but that factor was also cause by decades and decades of propaganda that linked it with it getting conquered by Cuba or the USSR (Cold War Red Scare at it's finest). And in the last plebiscites on what status the citizens would favor, statehood seemed to receive overwhelming support, but the ammount of people that participated was very little. This topic is far more complicated than a 3+ minute video, but still good video. I hope more PR related videos come out in the future.

[@juliomanuel1885]

Many Puerto Ricans tie independence to communism and it doesn't make scene like how come Mexico, Chile and other Latino nations aren't communist and they are independent states. If Puerto Rico were to become independent we can do it without becoming a communist dictatorship.

[@cowboybeboop9420]

It honestly baffles me how you people would want to become a state honestly. If you guys were some hodge podge of people cubbled together like the Americans or the Canadians I could get that but from what I understand Puerto Rico`s people are it`s own ethnic thing with it`s own culture, language etc. If it was me I would not want to be simply drowned out in my country by a bunch of foreigners that would erase my national identity.

[@SevenHunnid]

I do food reviews while I’m high off that good tree on my yöutube chånnel 😏

[@spartanx9293]

Puerto Rico is barely handling its own affairs as a territory how long do you think it would last as an independent nation? Honestly it's a kind of damned if you do damned if you don't situation if it ever got statehood it would probably be one of the poorest states in the Union

[@FederationMapping]

@@juliomanuel1885 Cuba is not a communist dictatorship, it's actually really democratic

[@poatocat9534]

Another big reason why people preferred association over statehood is that, while it is illegal for states to leave the union, it is perfectly legal for territories to do so (see Micronesia) so keeping Puerto Rico a territory allows the issue of potential independence to be kicked down the road while not angering the pro-independence or pro-statehood sides too much

[@robotnikkkk001]

=WHAT INDEPENDENCE WHEN MILITARY BASES OF THE US WILL NOT GO ANYWHERE??? =BECAUSE OF ANY INDEPENDENCE WILL BE ONLY ON PAPER,WITH NO *REAL* ONE,PR MUST'VE GET THE OPPORTUNITY AND BECOME A STATE,SO PEOPLE LIVING IN PR WILL GET REAL RIGHTS TOWARDS MILITARY......AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT

[@eds1942]

They are an unincorporated territory. Whether they overwhelmingly vote for independence or statehood doesn’t matter. Only the US Congress can grant that.

[@Eterna7Forms]

I think Congress can allow a state to leave the union, desu. I'm fairly sure the Supreme Court has said that a state just can't do it unilaterally. But if Congress passed an amendment allowing Texas an independence vote that would be legal.

[@justinmcgough3958]

@@robotnikkkk001 The capitilized lettering hear doesn't help and is just annoying to read with

[@stevevernon1978]

@@robotnikkkk001 the Phillipines had US bases... from before they were ever independent. but they don't now!

[@thetradersam6157]

As a Puerto Rican and a USAF veteran. My take in a nutshell, PR doesn't have the resources to sustain or grow its economy at a meaningful rate, more economic diversity is needed, the island dependents heavily in the tourism and US funds, and the few expats that spend money at the local shops when we visit...

[@diplomat1o11]

Thank you for this episode, and good job getting the basic gist out there.

[@michaelnace5490]

In 8th grade, I asked my social studies teacher why Puerto Rico wasn’t a state, and he said just because that would make it 51 states, and “the 50 states” just sounded better. I wholeheartedly believed him and have never questioned it until today lmao

[@reynaldoflores4522]

Texas can split up into 5 states. That would mean 4 new states. So with PR, it would be 55 states.

[@LVluxlife]

Yes I heard that they too growing up

[@dallas9397]

@@reynaldoflores4522 that does not sound as good as 50 stars. Also 50 stars makes a good shape on the flag.

[@staringcorgi6475]

It would be perfect if along with puerto rico dc would be a state too

[@pedromatos471]

🗿

[@guacamoledreams]

I’m a Puerto Rican born and raised on the island. From what I’ve experienced, it is the older generations that prefer statehood, while the idea of independence is more popular among the younger folk. Obviously, this is a generalization. Many Puerto Ricans, including myself, serve in the military, and are employed by American organizations on the island, so to sever ties with the United States would definitely affect a large percentage of the population. Anyways, thanks for the video man! It’s not often that Puerto Rico receives much attention from channels like yours.

[@hkchan1339]

Giving up USA citizenship for independence and your own passport is very unwise. You already enjoy not needing to pay federal income taxes Edit: I am not from USA. So I didn’t know you do pay other forms of federal taxes and might be receiving a short end of the stick. What I am trying to convey is, going out on your own as an independent country in the Caribbean isn’t easy. You will still be wanting to have close ties with USA anyway for future economic , diplomatic and trading purposes anyway. Might be better to get more Autonomy or the status quo since you need close ties with USA for the future anyway

[@jasonglebe3235]

I think independence is one of those "be careful what you wish for" things for Puerto Rico. Statehood has too many downsides and not enough upsides whereas I don' t think Puerto Rico has the capability to govern itself and would most likely be annexed by another nation. As silly as it sounds the "Red Scare" of nearby Cuba may not turn out to be such a fever dream

[@Eowunyth]

Yet every time PR is asked to vote on Statehood over the last decade it’s an affirmative yes. So no, it’s not a magical ‘youth thing’.

[@enchantedplays7860]

@@jasonglebe3235 There is like a 0% chance of annexation, much higher chance of mismanagement and gang violence.

[@guacamoledreams]

@@hkchan1339 Active duty service members from Puerto Rico pay federal taxes.

[@odius1794]

Dude, you are fantastic. So spot on

[@desertguy1362]

Mad props to the creator who didn't stretch this out in ten minutes or have sponsors in the middle. Subbed

[@LordKalte]

I watch for two reasons: -To see if James Bissonnette is still a patreon -To learn the information given out in this video

[@rkr9861]

I'd be shocked if they ever withdraw. I still remember a while back when History Matters posted a video but forgot to add the patreon section. Despite this, the video ended with, "With a special thanks to: James Bissonette--" as if HM assumed they'd just always be there, and wouldn't need to check before recording the next section.

[@5en_official]

I watch for both :)

[@nidicey]

@@5en_official he also does!!! also wow, early comment. hello!!! can you see me

[@delorbb2298]

I never see his name listed so I wondered on the spelling. Is it like the Bissonnet here in Houston or your way of spelling it? 😂. Thanks for clearing that up.

[@thenotoriouskid1736]

I like boogely woogely

[@TheDarthbinky]

I served in the US Army with a whole bunch of Puerto Ricans and one them told me once that if you want to start a fight, find three or more Puerto Ricans and say "PR should be a state". Because there are three opinions (status quo, statehood, and independence) and they feel strongly about whichever one they hold.

[@rhoetusochten4211]

Forget 3, my Puerto Rican father in law can get in an argument with himself over the issue.

[@DivinesLegacy]

No one thinks Puerto Rico should be a state, It shouldn’t. And we won’t allow it either way. No American is begging Puerto Rico to join, The country has nothing to show for itself and should be independent from the US as there are zero cultural ties.

[@casketman14]

@@DivinesLegacy you won moronic comment of the day

[@Boricua_USAF]

@@DivinesLegacy I can see you are ignorant of the subject. Many Puerto Ricans on the island and on the mainland believe in PR statehood. The US has never begged a, territory t become a state, and yet they have opened the doors to them when they deemed fit. If what you said were true why did 8 territories, now states use the Tennessee Plan to become a state, the last one being Alaska. You lack the knowledge of US history and it shows

[@thejayroh0011]

@@DivinesLegacy There is the case to allow Puerto Rico to remain a territory so no one else shows up with guns and says "we're Puerto Rico now"

[@NicolaW72]

Good Question!👍 Thank you very much for the Historical Background to answer it!

[@CollectiveWesterner]

I have always thought that Puerto Rico (along with Guam) should be official states. I've visited PR three times, and have friends there who have served in the US Navy. Hopefully statehood will be granted in the near future.

[@brucewelty7684]

Maybe we should rethink statehood to allow us to kick some of the trouble states out.

[@inconnu4961]

@Craig Dendy Thank you! But we just need to kick out LA, San Francisco, and New York City! I just watched a video about how San Bernadino co wants to secede from the state of California and many Californians are very unhappy with the direction (down the toilet) that its going and they blame the most populous areas for its troubles. California sounds like a Red State outside the metro areas

[@AL-lh2ht]

@Craig Dendy Yes removing the states with the highest economy sounds like a great idea.

[@jlm3744]

We do not want statehood all those votes are BS political ploys by the corrupt statehood party. Don't believe their lies.

[@carmenortiz5294]

Why? Puerto Rico is a much older nation that the US. Heck, we were in Florida almost 100 years before the Mayflower.

[@dfmrcv862]

As a Puerto Rican, another factor I keep seeing is that people here are just very comfortable with the "unincorporated territory" title. The pro-independence crowd can have their "we're our own country" line, while we're all still US citizens with the benefits of travelling to and from the US without any issue.

[@shorewall]

That's what I've heard whenever I've talked with anyone about the issue. The status quo is known. Becoming independent, while intriguing, is unknown. And they already get most of the benefits. Puerto Ricans are citizens, and can go where they like. Probably the ones who want to be a state just move to a state.

[@greenkoopa]

Puerto Ricans are American to me

[@robotnikkkk001]

.......SADLY,GETTING OUT OF THE US IS A MYTH,IT'LL NEVER BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN...GOT IT?? .....SO EVERYONE IN PR MUST'VE STOP DREAMING AND GET STATEHOOD ASAP....BECAUSE OF *_THAT_*

[@dfmrcv862]

@@greenkoopa We *are* Americans. The state we live in just isn't considered an American state.

[@dfmrcv862]

@@robotnikkkk001 ...wot?

[@MichSherl]

"the Treaty of Paris to make it easy to differentiate from other treaties" ROFL I love this so much!

[@danielbishop1863]

Wikipedia has quite a lengthy disambiguation page for "Treaty of Paris", including 34 different treaties named the "Treaty of Paris", four "Paris Convention"s, the Paris Peace Accords for the Vietnam War, the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. (Plus a painting, a rock band, and a racehorse named "Treaty of Paris".) I think that Paris should take a break and let some other city handle international diplomacy for a while.

[@carneasadaaccount2052]

Who the fuck still says rofl

[@alanpennie8013]

@@danielbishop1863 Yeah but the cuisine would be worse anywhere else (except possibly Milan).

[@steelcrown7130]

I like the reproachful portrait of Queen Liliuokalani at 0:51 and later.

[@Acc0rd79]

Most of them moved to Kissimmee, FL or NY/NJ. :) They said something like 400k people moved to the greater Orlando area after Hurricane Maria a few years back. The ones who want to be a state just move here freely so I guess it works for the island to stay as it is.

[@signupstuff]

Alaska voted 80% and Hawaii voted 90%. In the last plebiscite (2020) Puerto Rico voted ..53%. That's the equivalent of saying "I guess" to a marriage proposal. You can't expect anyone to seriously pursue statehood on behalf of PR when there doesn't appear to be any great enthusiasm from Puerto Ricans themselves.

[@purplespeckledappleeater8738]

Finally someone in this comments section is actually speaking some truth. The situation is pretty complicated with Puerto Rico right now, which is not what this KZbinr is trying to sell to his audience.

[@yondie491]

And it's the first of a half-dozen votes that had *that much* of a pro-state or pro-independence result. Puerto Rico is the reason Puerto Rico isn't a state yet.

[@efulmer8675]

@@purplespeckledappleeater8738 To be clear, this youtuber didn't go into the current political drama at all and only explained the background for why it is the way it is now, not why people want to change that. Those are two distinct video topics.

[@00_rei90]

This. Statehood or not Puerto Rican is still American and almost everyone sees themselves that way there's really no serious issue of Puerto Rico seceding. I even go out on a limb to say that we Puerto Rican sees ourselves as American more than other Hispanic people who sometimes only see America as a place to make money and not their true "homeland"

[@wkbj7924]

As always, I enjoyed this video. I was surprised, however, that one detail was missing. It was virtually impossible to consider making Puerto Rico a state before World War 2 because of the Philippines. The US could not possibly entertain the idea of making the Philippines a state due to its comparatively gargantuan population. Making Puerto Rico a state while keeping the Philippines as a territory would have caused even more tension between the states and the Philippines. However, once the Philippines became independent, statehood for Puerto Rico became more feasible. I know a few people from Puerto Rico. Based on that small sample size, they seem to lament the most about not being able to vote in the US presidential elections. Otherwise, they seem ambivalent regarding statehood. Again, my sample size is small. Many people from Puerto Rico may have a different perspective.

[@TheRandCrews]

But Philippines was on the path to independence anyhow, having its own commonwealth presidents and own military etc. It was slated for 1946, even with WWII underway they still got it that year. Idk how could that change things for Puerto Rico statehood

[@robertrichard6107]

U.S. is guilty of many war crimes in Phillipines, maybe they could cover that next. U.S. did a lot of baby seal clubing in Spanish American War.

[@rolandolayvar4328]

This is false. The Philippines was always slated for independence since the 1899 Schurman Commission and the subsequent 1900 Taft Commission. Philippine statehood was always a very very VERY small minority opinion in US Congress and within the Territory/Commonwealth. From 1899-1946 the US enacted laws and decisions exclusively for Philippine independence. The idea of Philippine statehood is a wildly popular misconception and teeters on historical revisionism.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

@@rolandolayvar4328 correct!

[@youngjung161]

Very interesting

[@IronSmasher1024]

of all the the history classes I've been to in school, this information is something i have an interest on.

[@markusskram4181]

Cool video

[@ryansearle6157]

Ideas for more videos: 1. Why does France own French Guiana? 2. Why does Liechtenstein exist? 3. Why did Russia give Crimea to Ukraine? 4. Why did Poland and Lithuania break up? 5. Why is Latin a dead language? 6. Why did Yugoslavia collapse? 7. Why did Brittany take so long to join France? 8. Why do so many countries end in -stan? 9. Why did Europe colonize the Americas before Africa? 10. Why isn’t Sri Lanka a part of India? 11. Why did the Byzantine Empire survive for so long? 12. Why didn’t Poland or Czechoslovakia regain all of their lost territory after WWII? 13. How did the Mongol Empire get so big? 14. Why isn’t Brunei a part of Malaysia? 15. Why was Italy punished so lightly after WWII?

[@untendohd1377]

Isn‘t the -stan in country names like the -land in european nations e.g. Finnland, England, Switzerland?

[@Zepellin]

@@untendohd1377 yeah it just means land of such as Kazakhstan being land of Kazakhs

[@JM-qb2kd]

@@untendohd1377 yes, and also the “ia” found in many names. So “-stan” and “ia” both essentially mean “land of” Columbia - land of Columbus Kazakhstan- land of Kazakh

[@biscoito1r]

It was a lot harder to colonize Africa because the Africans had the same immunity to diseases as the Europeans plus they had extra diseases that the Europeans had no immunity to.

[@joetrump2983]

16. Why Bangladesh did not joined India after they broke away from pakistan

[@lherrero]

As a Puerto Rican, this is one of the most nuanced and accurate telling of the complex relationship between us and the USA. Great work as always!

[@cfosnock]

Not really if Puerto Rico had a "a strong independence movement" they would have been granted independence in 1947 like the Philippines...or Cuba in 1902. Puerto Ricans were offered US citizenship less than 1K refused and most of those were Spanish citizens

[@cfosnock]

@@370.y Considering I'm Puerto Rican, I think I know my skin color..and the skin color of Spaniards...SMH.Facts don't care about your feelings....even now the independence party is about 5% of the population. As far as the rest please write clearer as I don't know what your talking about, but its obvious you racially profiling people, as you're projecting that on to me.

[@cfosnock]

@@370.y Wow talk about projection. So you learned to despise your roots, and think others did the same. Then you accuse the author of the thread of despising Latinos, while at the same time despising him a Latino. SMH

[@cfosnock]

IMHO the reason why the status quo remains is not because of fear. I call it a lack of vision. The independence movement has none. They have no plans for the future except to reestablish control over the masses and get them to work in the fields picking coffee or sugar cane, or in the service industry catering to tourists. IE the only future for Puerto Rico espoused by the Indpenedentistas is for the revitalization of menial labor As far as the rest you have allowed racism to dominate your thinking. Their is little to no racism on the island, Puerto Ricans on the island know the stories, and may have experienced it, but they don't have a point of reference. Your cries of being taught to hate themselves falls on deaf ears, because unlike you they were educated in Puerto Rico where they are actually taught to take pride in their heritage. As such they would rather reform the system than abandon it. Then people like you come in yelling at them, assuming skin color, motivations, and a lack of intelligence, it just causes them to tune out your agenda. Just my 2 cents....

[@FujikkoJP]

*Yeah so rather let them become a third world country we can see how it turns out with Haiti.*

[@Zachman229]

I’m currently learning bout this stuff in history

[@NotaTechGuy177]

I love that the newspaper at 2:20 have actual articles from the same time period. Amazing attention to detail!

[@danielbishop1863]

In general, I love HM's habit of putting jokes into newspapers that are only shown on screen for a second or two. Gotta pause it.

[@chicagotypewriter2094]

@@danielbishop1863 Same, did you catch how he literally named it "Rich Port News", Rich Port being Puerto Rico in English?

[@Kahless_the_Unforgettable]

Not paying federal taxes while enjoying almost every right that a state has seems like a great reason to avoid statehood.

[@PheOfTheFae]

I actually didn't know that part, considering DC folks pay taxes!

[@Kahless_the_Unforgettable]

@@PheOfTheFae , DC actually does have representation. By the POTUS. In 1961, they were given an electoral vote. Which means they can vote for President (a representative of the people, according to the Constitution). Puerto Rico can't vote for President.

[@brandonlyon730]

Funny enough in some Middle East countries the citizens don’t have pay any sort of income taxes at all.

[@john2g1]

@@Kahless_the_Unforgettable Yes DC can vote for the President. However, the President doesn't make the laws that govern DC or more importantly Puerto Rico so that doesn't really count for much. The Senate gives a massive amount of power to everyone who has a Senator. At the end of the day having the same filibuster, Yay, or Nay vote as everyone else regardless of population or tax revenue produced.

[@john2g1]

It's actually not that simple. The people (most of them) don't pay federal income tax but they pay every other type of tax. The Puerto Rican National Guard still gets called up to deploy into war zones and most importantly any federal law that's passed by Congress applies to Puerto Rico the same way would apply to a state. That is the most important part Puerto Rico has a bigger population than Hawaii, Alaska, Wyoming, and I think a few other states. That said it has zero control over what the other 50 states decide should happen to it at the Federal level. Once upon a time companies did not have to pay federal tax either and that caused a lot of well-paying companies to be based in or operate out of Puerto Rico. When Congress (again no representation) decided to end that it was a mass exodus of companies which also led to a mass exodus of employees aka local tax payers.

[@Vespillo12]

Used to live in Puerto Rico. There are 3 main political parties in PR the PNP (Partido Nuevo Progresista) prefer statehood, the PPD (Partido Popular Democrático) prefer to keep the status quo and the PIP (Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño) prefer independence. I've since moved back to the US mainland but back when I lived in PR it seemed that independence was almost impossible and overall not preferred by the populace. So, many of the PIP preferred to vote for PPD gubernatorial candidates in order to at least keep the status quo and not become a full-on state. TBH barring some unforeseen situation I don't ever imagine Puerto Ricans as a whole voting for independence. I feel that the benefits of being at least associated with the US as a territory outweigh the benefits of being their own nation.

[@VMan29397]

Independence is inevitable. Their has been a mass exodus from the political establishment in the last 2 elections. 3rd parties in 2020 got a greater share of the vote then either of the 2 establishment parties

[@starsiegeplayer]

I was wondering about this.

[@Historymatters0]

Thank you ✌️for watching and leaving a comment, Send a message via TELEGRAM to acknowledge your Prize.🎁🔥

[@ericnorman5237]

Lol…”it was time for can-kicking…” I love the dead-pan presentations History Matters gives.

[@TarenNauxen]

The "u" crossed out in Harbor at 0:55 is the kind of details I keep coming back for

[@johnnielson4341]

Puerto Rico has held referendums about statehood multiple times and it always gets voted down.

[@jsgarage8744]

Maine sinking and empire building has a nice ring to it.

[@historiacontaco]

As a Puerto Rican, I believe the independence movement is not dead but it does have significantly less support. A big consensus of people agree on keeping the status quo for A) not wanting to become a state B) independence can be scary for some. I have to agree with Texxon who commented earlier that most of the support for statehood is mostly because of years propaganda and the belief that the pro-statehood political party instills on its supporters that becoming a state will magically solve all of the island's problems.

[@shawndemetrios7899]

Wouldn't statehood be a huge help though?

[@Eowunyth]

Again, PR has voted to be a state numerous times over the last decade. The status quo is statehood, not commonwealth.

[@_blank-_]

@@Eowunyth Status quo means "as is", so commonwealth is currently the status quo.

[@robotnikkkk001]

=WHAT INDEPENDENCE???THE US WONT BE LEAVING EVER,THOUGH.......SO IT'LL BE LIKE INDEPENDENCE OF JAPAN,FOR EXAMPLE......ESPECIALLY ON OKINAWA,WHERE PEOPLE ARE RIGHTLESS TOWARDS US MILITARY THAT LIVE THERE =AND IF PR WILL BE THE STATE,PR'S LOCALS WONT BE SUFFERING ANY POSSIBLE INEQUALITY WITH MILITARY

[@Eterna7Forms]

Probably? Even if Puerto Rico was brought to the standard of living of Mississippi it would be a material transformation of the island. Still there are cultural considerations.

[@kiko_animal1459]

As a Puerto Rican born and raised I have to say is that the video is well resumed the only thing is that right now pro state movement and the pro independence are pretty equal in supporters plus there these 2 are not the only major political movements, there pro state/ pro independence/ pro being just an US territory. And I’m finishing with this the majority of pro state supporters are older generations while younger generations tend to lean more pro independence.

[@Ralphieboy]

Also, Spanish is an official language in Puerto Rico (along with English) and is spoken by a majority of the population. That is also a stick issue with many Mainland American Linguistic Nationalists.

[@Perico3000XD]

In fact, there is a movement in Puerto Rico to reunify with Spain.

[@koalabear1984]

Absolutely based

[@gabrielmora5092]

Yes. But it have even less support the the independence movement (which have 2-5% of the votes)

[@jlm3744]

There is but its very small. They don't even have a political party for that status option.

[@robotnikkkk001]

=NOT GONNA HAPPEN EVER AS US'S MILITARY BASES WONT GO ANYWHERE,AND ONLY STATEHOOD REALLY PROTECTS PEOPLE ......I'LL JUST MENTION ABOUT CUBA WAS GIVEN INDEPENDENCE ONLY TO FORCIBLY ABUSING IT'S PEOPLE BY ANY WAY OF EXPLOITATION WHICH TURNED REBELLIOUS THOUGHTS RISE THERE WHICH TURNED CUBA TO COMMUNIST REGIME

[@georgehillyer7959]

Spain is not aware of this. That may be an issue.

[@ericbergfield6451]

I was just wondering about this very topic, thanks for the research & sharing the info!

[@DRew2KRup]

Not sure what's stopping them now but as I remember my time there when I was younger I remember Puerto Ricans absolutely hating Americans but loving our money

[@andrewcutler4513]

I do remember President Carter publicly "floating" the idea once. - But I never heard anything more about it after that one time.

[@alexanderhamilton2219]

Reagan supported statehood for Puerto Rico

[@cespu_iv4519]

They didn't press "Grant statehood to Puerto Rico" in the decision tab. Weird because it costs only 25pp!

[@Emperoroleary]

i wanna use the pp to get lobbying for focuses

[@stonemanofgardnerville1162]

Meh just too ooof far

[@mrgeetar5421]

Nice hoi4 reference😎😎

[@Emperoroleary]

@@mrgeetar5421 tbh playing modded usa is better

[@CoconutPalmPictures]

You are among the best video makers on KZbin: concise, lots of facts, very little fluff, always fast-paced and enertaining. Thank you!

[@HiveTyrant25]

As a NATIVE Hawaiian, hearing “over 90% of Hawaiians” is upsetting. That’s because we actually barely made up any of the population at that point, and the immigrants who formed the majority of the population/work force would much rather be Americans than give the land back to their rightful owners.

[@ianfortuna9385]

Hate the game not the player

[@zach2382]

No that is not true at all actual polls done show that most Hawaiians yes the natives don’t care that they are apart of the US you

[@Earwaxfire909]

How do weather costs affect ideas about PR joining the US?

[@stephenschiffman5940]

One detail that he left out is that there was (and still is) no concession to make to conservatives if it were made a state. The mostly conservative Alaska and the mostly liberal Hawaii were able to get statehood around the same time because neither party saw the move as "handing the other side two more senators." However, as the US is now out of territories that would lean conservative if given statehood, there's no concession to give to Republicans that would make them vote "Yes" on giving Democrats 2 more Senate seats.

[@largebubbahubba]

so what you're saying is that the will of the people is being ignored in favor of partisanship?

[@alex_ho]

@@largebubbahubba it's just parliamentary politics yo!

[@michaelrodriguez2072]

I would argue that Puerto Rico isn't particularly as left leaning as other state seeking territories like DC. In fact many ideas in the island can go either way.

[@ronkolek613]

@@largebubbahubba always has. Why they didn’t let in a free state without letting in a slave state at the same time. In this regards though, let eastern Washington & Oregon split off and form their own state. Problem solved.

[@aaronTGP_3756]

Puerto Rico is actually quite purple.

[@ThatSlowTypingGuy]

2:34 I always like these timelapse bits.

[@raulvega3335]

When the constitution of PR was put in place, the Gag law was already in place which made it illegal to be patriotic towards anything Puerto Rican including owning a PR flag, singing any hymns, speaking Spanish in school, and most importantly being pro independence. The fact PR is a commonwealth was the perfect manipulation of a People

[@TheAestheticSoul]

Puerto Rico 🇵🇷❤️ is a Country more than a Territory.

[@sgurdmeal662]

I really appreciate the effort to pronounce Puerto Rico accurately, good speed!

[@eastmeetswestpresents6923]

Here's some of my ideas for future videos: 1) Was the Library of Alexandria THAT important? 2) How did England/Britain/UK acquire the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney)? 3) Why did China not colonise Australia? 4) Why did China not have an Industrial Revolution? 5) Why did the Philippines have 5 republics? 6) How did the rest of the world react to the Chernobyl meltdown? 7) How did the rest of the world react to the bombing of Hiroshima? 8) What was the Munster Rebellion? 9) Who was the most popular/well-liked monarch in history? 10) Why was there a Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 that lasted 38 minutes? 11) Who was Larry Thorne, the man who fought for 3 sides during 3 wars? 12) Who was Yang Kyoungjong, the man who fought for 3 sides in WWII? 13) Who was Jack Churchill, the man who carried a sword and bow to WWII? 14) Who was Digby Tatham-Warter, the man who carried an umbrella to WWII? 15) Why did the Jacobite Rebellions of the 18th Century fail?

[@TheCaptainSplatter]

For one apparently it wasn't. There was copies of everything in other libraries. People like to think it set us back 1 thousand years but it didn't set us back at all. Was still a nice library though

[@eastmeetswestpresents6923]

@@TheCaptainSplatter I agree that it's overrated and other copies of works found in that library can be found in others. For some reason, I think that racism might also have something to do with it - after all people romanticise how the loss of the Alexandrine library set us back a lot but the same can't be said of the Baghdad House of Wisdom when it was sacked by Mongolians

[@danielhuneke5862]

Short answer; it's going to happen, just after we do the paperwork, later.

[@VMan29397]

Nope.

[@NatureXwars]

Do Guam next?

[@kaizersolze]

1:32 I love the look of shock-horror.

[@TheFishAteYou]

A fun special this channel could do is the history of Star Wars. Like I’m phases. The fall of the old republic. The clone wars. Idk. I bet it would be fun listening to this person just explain Star Wars with his jokes and fun animation

[@jasonquigley2633]

I think another important factor in the Puerto Rico statehood /independence question is the Puerto Rican diaspora in the Continental United States. It's massive, and there are now more Puerto Ricans living in the continental United States then on Puerto Rico itself. This is a relatively recent phenomenon (this immigration mostly occurred after ww2). This means that almost every Puerto Rican has siblings or cousins living in the 50 states. Such family ties makes closer relations (like statehood) more appealing. It also makes independence more difficult, as it would essentially tear families apart (a post independence PR probably having as difficult immigration/visa rules to the USA as anywhere else in Latin America).

[@marvincolon]

Thank you

[@Vote_Blue]

because we wrote a song called "Fifty Nifty United States" and it would be a pain in the as to try to make a verse rhyme with "fifty-one."

[@utonation1]

Make an episode on James Bissonette! Lets support this idea guys!!!!

[@enovos3138]

I'm more of a Kelly money maker guy myself.

[@harrytheprince6951]

I love the detail you put in those newspaper articles shown in your video

[@privateeyety5735]

Same

[@ohcrap3263]

Alaska was not annexed, it was purchased from Russia in a deal called “Sewards Folly”

[@yondie491]

A nation can own un-annexed land. They're two separate processes.

[@minelayer26]

meaning it was annexed

[@ohcrap3263]

@@minelayer26 using your reasoning everything I purchased I really just annexed it.

[@minelayer26]

@@ohcrap3263 the USA purchased alaska from the russian empire, two governments participating in a land exchange, where russia granted the united states full sovereignty over alaska, therefore annexing it, utter strawman argument

[@ohcrap3263]

@@minelayer26 Annexation: A nation occupying a territory and taking direct control of it. Acquisition: Getting possession of something. (in this context, a nation taking, or being granted, a piece of land or territory) Annexation is a more direct form of acquisition. For example, when Britain first conquered India, they acquired it and placed it under the jurisdiction of the East India Company. Later, Company rule was dissolved and replaced with direct administration of the British Raj. This would have been the annexation of India. Parts of India remained semi-sovereign and not-annexed -- the Princely States and these were pseudo-independent 'kingdoms' that were under British control but not part of the Raj. When the United States purchased Louisiana from France in 1803, it was made into the Louisiana Territory. This was an acquisition of territory, and could be argued, even before statehood, to be annexation because it was an organized incorporated territory. Parts of the Louisiana Territory were partitioned and admitted as states, like Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, etc., into the Union. In the late 19th century, European powers colonized the South Pacific islands. They were acquired, but remained overseas territories that weren't directly annexed. To this day there are a number of British and French overseas territories. Britain has not annexed their overseas territories, which are not part of the United Kingdom. France has annexed their overseas territories, which are regarded as Overseas France and governed partially or fully by the French national government.

[@00_rei90]

As a young zoomer puerto rican I feel the issue of statehood to be less relevant as domestic migration become more prevalent in the last 20 years. A more pressing issue is the need to address an essentially bankrupted puerto rico government as these migration caused declining revenues which spiralling into more people leaving PR to the mainland.

[@notanotherremix9791]

Man I love your videos, you making them at such a fast rate now! So impressive.

[@payodomingo6789]

As a puertorican i hope you can cover el grito de lares/ scream of lares

[@jasondiaz8431]

Anything the American Government has ever done pales in comparison to what has been done to the western states.

[@jaimepujol5507]

I don't know the actual history, but I think that unfortunately an unsuccesful attempt at independence in a country that never achieved independence wouldn't make a great story in a general history channel. Maybe in an episode dedicated to the several uprisings towards the end of the Spanish Empire?

[@payodomingo6789]

@@jaimepujol5507 ouch

[@Nperez1986]

Against the Spanish, we also have alot or rebels/turmoil in US history that no one talks about, part of Manifest Destiny time frame

[@enovos3138]

@@Nperez1986 Hey someone else knows about the rebellions against the US.

[@JoseDiaz-so6hf]

There's a saying among Puerto Ricans that goes... "my heart has place for one star, not 50". And another is.... "every Puerto Rican believes in independence after two beers".

[@oguzman196419821996]

There is a minor misconception about federal taxes. While most residents of 🇵🇷 do not pay federal taxes, the same can not be said for federal employees (to include federal retirees). All federal income is taxed for federal workers based on Puerto.

[@patrickmulligan4440]

The US also received Cuba from Spain during this war, but Cuba was given independence in 1902

[@XxTurk3ybo1xX]

0:35 read the document

[@admiralkaede]

Yea and look how cuba repaid us

[@robotnikkkk001]

=AND WHAT WAS RIGHT AFTER????EXPLOITING LOCAL PEOPLE THAT WAS SO TOO MUCH SO CASTRO EMERGED ......IF CUBA WOULD'VE BE GIVEN A STATEHOOD,NO CASTRO WOULD'V2E EVER HAPPEN....UNDERSTAND????

[@FirstnameLastname-kn5sw]

@@admiralkaede How they repaid you after Batista and the mob or after the Bay of Pigs? And why do you think the US went into Cuba? Because of 'The Main' lol?

[@Nperez1986]

@@admiralkaede Look at how WE repaid CUBA. If you read the Constitution of Cuba, the US forcibly placed in writing that the US had FULL Authority to come in with its military in interest of ITS OWN Business sectors...imagine China having the Ability's to take away from the US New York city or even worst, Texas, free willing? You sew what you reap...why do you think Leftists were rising in Latin America in the 1940-1960's? It's not random

[@adriansz343]

Bruh that newspaper at 2:20, I'm dead

[@lugano1999]

I am a native New Yorker who fell in love with PR back in 1981 when my company held a sales conference there. I have since spent on average 3 weeks there a year for the last 40 years. I am also fluent in Spanish and have many friends there. Based on my experience, as well as study, I would agree that the many polls that have been taken over the years show one thing fairly clearly: independence is favored by only about 4-5% of the population. The rest is murky. For years it seems that status quo was favored by about 55%, statehood by about 40%. Lately, a greater number of people prefer statehood: I think it's about 50-55%. Puerto Ricans residing in the 50 states proper however overwhelmingly prefer statehood. And, the irony is that there are several times more Puerto Ricans living in the 50 states than in Puerto Rico proper. So, as of now, there is still no overwhelming majority who favor statehood. It probably needs to get to about 80% before it could happen.

[@VMan29397]

Really thats why the pro independence canidate for gov is going to win the election. Dude the pro independence camp protest those referendums. Statehood when factoring the entire voting base compared to those that partake in those referendums comes out to 27% in favor of statehood

[@VMan29397]

This is where you're wrong. Statehood has actually declined in support. Remember you can only go by those who actually vote in the referendums So when calculating the percentage of support you have to factor in the percentage of turnout they get the actual number the 61% you saw in 2012 wasn't actually 61% but more like 46% when factoring in turnout so then when you look at it at 2020 the 52% that said yes to statehood were compared to the 54% turnout comes to around 28% support So in fact stay put over the last few years exactly substantially decreased in support. In fact with the current polling done in Puerto Rico right now the pro-independence candidate for governor is in second place In polling by only 1.5%

[@alejandrorobles1343]

Ahhh, can kicking. Great sum up

[@Historymatters0]

Thank you ✌️for watching and leaving a comment, Send a message via TELEGRAM to acknowledge your Prize.🎁🎁🔥

[@BrownFoxWarrior]

One of my family's friends was from Puerto Rico. He started dirt poor and worked his way into a comfortable life with a good family in the U.S. Being big into economics, he one day explained to my mother and I many reasons about potential statehood of Puerto Rico and why it likely wouldn't work without prior political reforms. Wish I had wrote some of them down, because at the time I was way lost in the economic explanations to really understand his points at the time.

[@calebrivera8913]

@@robotnikkkk001 The only way to protet our interests is independence, statehood would mean, our law (federal) would be dictated by what the majority of American representatives want, not the majority of puerto ricans.

[@Nperez1986]

My father and before literally had a dirt floor to live on

[@huffingpuff]

@@robotnikkkk001 Christ your caps lock is on you know

[@inconnu4961]

@@calebrivera8913 Would cutting the citizenship benefits to Puerto Ricans help them maintain their autonomy too? Lets limit Puerto Ricans access to FULL citizenship benefits while living in the US until they sign a formal document of allegiance to the US. Are Puerto Rican men subject to the draft, the way American men are? I never bothered to ask them before.

[@charlemagnethegreat2916]

@@inconnu4961 Puerto Rican men are drafted during WW2 and Vietnam War. Puerto Rican National Guards can be called up as well.

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

Ah yes, the fine tradition of "kick that can down the road, we'll deal with it later." An American political tradition as old as American politics itself

[@folofus4815]

Nothing more permanent than a temporary solution!

[@xraymind]

"All men are created equal" But we have slavery in the South Kick that can down the road, we'll deal with it later Well, that's was a BIG deal

[@RK-cj4oc]

Not just American political tradition. the entire world.

[@romanboi3115]

@@xraymind kicking the can out of necessity, America dividing over slavery right after independence would've simply caused the britts to come back

[@ChevyChase301]

@@romanboi3115 except Thomas Jefferson one of the most prominent people in the south almost supported abolition in the Declaration of Independence. Had he done that we would live in a different country

[@tavonfenwick-yb5xv]

I think as of summer 2023 the idea of statehood for Puerto Rico is FINALLY being entertained

[@VMan29397]

No it's not. State hood is dead in Puerto Rico. In the last major election in Puerto Rico 67% of puerto ricans who voted voted against the prostatehood new progressive party the only reason they even won the governor's house was because the vote was split between the popular Democratic Party the puerto rican independence party the citizens victory movement party and the far right-wing project dignity party. In fact going into this current election the 2 left-wing parties the point of region independence party and citizens victory movement party have joined forces and are behind pro-independence candidate juan dalmau For governor and he's currently in second place in the polls by under 2%

[@tropicaussie4572]

There's no more room for another star on their beloved Stars and Stripes !

[@Kevin-438]

I just wanted to say that I recently came across this channel and I love it! The episodes are quick and to the point, and I love the facial expressions of all the characters! Keep up the good work 👍

[@tommunism8778]

Love this channel

[@CarlosRiveraFernandez]

Puerto Rican filmmaker/anthropologist here! Would like to offer some corrections if I may. The issue of statehood vs independence is a bit more complicated than you put it (though for a three minute video on history I suppose it suffices). Throughout the twentieth century, independence movement leaders were viciously targeted by federal agencies like the FBI and many were jailed in McCarthy-like trials (some even without). The movement itself was also severely repressed, with laws like the Gag Law (1948-1958) making it illegal to espouse any emancipatory rhetoric and even prohibiting the display of the Puerto Rican flag. As such, many people who desired independence were forced to hide their sentiments or were jailed for expressing them. Today, while the referenda have increasingly shown pro-statehood desires, many people end up boycotting them because they are written by the leading (and corrupt) pro-statehood party, and are thus often skewed in the favor of statehood. The 2017 referendum, for example, had a 97% majority vote for statehood, but something like a 23% voter turnout. Word of mouth sentiments on the island, especially with younger generations, are increasingly anti-statehood and pro-independence, as the last decade has especially shown how apathetic the US government can be towards the island. In general, a well made video, just offering some perspectives. Thank you for highlighting the subject!

[@reeyees50]

Ruben Berrios, Toño Gonzales.....Juan Mari Bras 1977

[@lars1701again]

what does it matter who wrote the referendum? Don't get me wrong I couldn't care either way if its a state or a independent country (i'm against keeping the status quo)

[@druggy12345]

Puerto Rico is a liability

[@reeyees50]

@@druggy12345 Liability!? Puerto Ricans dont even have that dumb politically charged word. Listen to this expert, CIA were actively crushing any independance movement. Also, be real. Cuba is next door, Cuba had missles pointed at the USA, naturally the USA needs a good territory for invasion in case diplomacy goes south

[@lars1701again]

@@reeyees50 I could be totally wrong but they have the best of both worlds now, if they become a state they have to pay federal taxes and if they go off on their own they have to pay for defense, infrastructure etc.

[@WhydoIsuddenlyhaveahandle]

My favorite is when, in the World Baseball Classic, the United States plays against Puerto Rico. I didn't realize a country could play itself rofl The idea of them being seperate is like how the Marines and Spaceforce don't accept they are part of the Navy and Air Force departments, respectively. Great video as usual! Thanks to all the Puerto Ricans commeting!

[@tigeruntamed6036]

Don’t know why the idea of a Marine is to approach from the sea. Hence Navy. Space could technically be considered in the sky that’s why it’s part of the Air Force

[@JuanTorres-hv5ig]

P.R., the World's oldest Colony. 529 YEARS!

[@gideonmele1556]

Finally an easier way to answer this to foreigners. It’s more complicated than shown but a good rundown so instead of a giving a mini university lecture to foreign friends I can just send them this

[@DonesdeMotivacion]

mano, calling everyone who's not a puertorrican a foreigner is not nice

[@zackg6216]

@@DonesdeMotivacion for·eign·er a person not belonging to a particular place or group; a stranger or outsider.

[@gideonmele1556]

@@DonesdeMotivacion es más para personas fuera de 🇺🇸 que desean comprender la dinámica única. Pero bueno, si así lo quieres entender

[@DonesdeMotivacion]

@@zackg6216 you have a big problem if you pretend to call everyone you don't know a Fo-reig-ner. a little bit of grandiosity on the statement, BTW you have a Foreign name

[@inconnu4961]

@@DonesdeMotivacion You are right! Foreigner brings negative connotations, especially when directed at fellow Americans! There seems to be a fair amount of hostility between Puerto Ricans and non-Puerto Ricans in our urban areas, ESPECIALLY during political seasons! We need to tread lightly here!

[@GratefulRobin]

Currently there is a bill in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1522) that would give Puerto Ricans a referendum that would make Puerto Rico either a country or a State

[@zachatck64]

It's gone nowhere for a whole year

[@B727X]

If it becomes a state then Northern California needs to become one to balance it out

[@gustavosauro1882]

@@B727X balance what?

[@Astro_Guy_1]

@@B727X We aren't in the 19th century anymore, where the US decides states based upon creating a "balance" between political ideologies.

[@evanlovesbacongames161]

@@gustavosauro1882 51 stars would look weird, i suggest also making quam a state for 52

[@rebelbatdave5993]

Beautiful Island! Just crazy drivers! Pryer Coast Guard!

[@PHX787]

After hurricanes Irma and Maria, it became pretty obvious that the US Gov needed to really take a look at the status of Puerto Rico...only thing is, as you stated...the resulting action is not just kicking the can but more or less punting it

[@SuperCatacata]

US govt supposed to start nuking the Hurricanes before they hit PR or something?

[@taranwanderer7747]

If Puerto Rico wants statehood they're going to have to be louder about it. The US Gov is unwilling to force statehood or independence onto Puerto Rico because the modern Western belief is it's the choice of a territories residents.

[@kassiogomes8498]

​@@taranwanderer7747they voted for statehood several times. The congress just didn't accept it.

[@Daglizzh]

Can you do a video about the war of 1812 pls coz I love ur vids

[@Jomonoupapjanmbliyew]

Can kicking 😂 I love that term.

[@Firebringer121]

Some forgot where the incorporate state button was.

[@ZhongXina01]

Thanks this is sure to help me pass the Pro-State exam!

[@promethium-145]

Bing Chilling! 🇹🇼

[@nathanburke9623]

Hey! I love your videos and have been a huge fan for a really long time. Im a 17 year old from Australia with a huge passion for the type of content you make, and I am looking to make my own channel with videos about similar topics to yours. I was just wondering if you could help me out and give me a few tips on what you have noticed works and what doesn’t in this sort of content. Any help would be much appreciated. Maybe more to do with the video making side of things. And keep making your great videos, I would love to see what levels you could reach in the future!

[@YangwanAuto]

Nice from which prison in that colony are you from mr pom?

[@wellesmorgado4797]

Latin American here, but not a single bone to pick in this question of statehood x independence for PR. However, there is a funny side to it: if PR decides for statehood, it will join the US by being, by far, the poorest state of all; if it chooses independence instead, it will become immediately the richest Latin-American country!

[@Rayven001]

As a person who lives in PR, I'm interested

[@theysisossenthime]

The people in the US "...saw them differently." That's a nice way of saying it.

[@dragonchr15]

@@alkdjfhgks1919 Western Europe owes their "developed world" standard of living to the USA paying for their defense via NATO....so much of their budgets can be used for domestic programs. The same with Japan and South Korea.

[@joaquinrodriguez227]

@@alkdjfhgks1919 ? yeah EEUU has done good things in history, that doesnt excuse their anti-hispanic sentiment

[@stonkman8442]

@@alkdjfhgks1919 they only helped East asia and europe.Middle east,África,Afganistán and iberoamerica has suffered so much by the u.s.

[@stephenjenkins7971]

@@joaquinrodriguez227 True and fair. Racism is an issue in of itself, the US doing other good stuff is not an excuse to dismiss it. That being said, race issues is hardly a US thing alone.

[@joaquinrodriguez227]

@@stephenjenkins7971 of course it isnt, but in this context its true that EEUU has one of the most anti-hispanic sentiment in general (obviusly it isnt that bad in comparison with, for example, how China treat muslim minorities or how EEUU discriminated black people in the 1800). Its very ironic historically speaking now that i think about

[@Angiie884]

Proud to be Puerto Rican and to learn the story that was never taught to me in school!!! 🇵🇷❤️

[@Warlock_Lelouch]

That’s cool my dude 👍. Quick question though, is it true what he said about more people wanting to become a state?

[@michaelrodriguez2072]

Same here🇵🇷

[@adrien.p4070]

Same 🇵🇷👍

[@komododragon410]

So you guys want to be State?

[@Angiie884]

@@Warlock_Lelouch In recent years yes, most recent poling shows great support for it, but nowadays I can't say for sure, you see, there's a growing movement in opposition to rich American folk who come and place property on our coasts which by law are supposed to be public, meaning the law hasn't kept up with this making us the locals mad at this. Related to this issue is also the increase of Americans taking advantage of tax reductions by establishing their businesses here. Finally the response to the last few hurricanes (Irma, Maria and Fiona) have left a lot to be desired, the money wasn't well used and there were entire containers of water and supplies that were never put to use. Thousands of death are the result of these malpractices and I'm pretty sure that reduces support. I hope my answer responds your question well

[@daenforcerxd6466]

How do you make these

[@jimdellavecchia4594]

I had a meeting in PR a few years ago. They said it started early, at noon!!! LAZY!!

[@luiscortes7047]

PR like Hawaii was a valuable strategic location due to its proximity to the Panama Canal. As such the island was filled with Navy bases that have closed down in later years.

[@lolbit1232]

Also a trade hub

[@AL-lh2ht]

Nott even remotly as importentt as Hawaii.

[@lolbit1232]

@@AL-lh2ht It actually is pretty important, especially when we have enemies like countries like Venezuela and Cuba Who could easily be courted into holding weaponry for either Russia or China

[@franciscomoliner1296]

Yes, Roosevelt Roads was one of the largest US naval bases. There was also Ramey Air Force Base and Naval Shooting range in Vieques.

[@luiscortes7047]

@@lolbit1232 that is correct. During the Cuban Missile Crisis Ramey Base was central if bombing Cuba was necessary. Also amphibious invasion covert operations were practiced in PR for a possible Cuban invasion.

[@james64ibm]

I think the "problem" with Puerto Rico always was that it was expected to have a distinct political lean. After the "completion" of the contiguous US by adding Arizona in 1912 any additional state was seen as "nice to have, but unnecessary". And given the deep divide in the US between ... well, everything, Alaska and Hawaii were only added because Alaska was expected to lean Democratic and Hawaii was expected to lean Republican, so they wouldn't shift the balance of power. Obviously, the parties' assessment in the 1950s of future political lean was hilariously wrong, but it did create the basis for a bipartisan support of statehood.

[@inconnu4961]

I was going to say: Hawaii has never seemed republican in my 50 years! Hilariously wrong is accurate!

[@karlshorstzwei]

@@inconnu4961 The state GOP were much more competitive then.

[@alexanderhamilton2219]

@@inconnu4961 Hawaii was virtually a one-party state under the Republicans until 1954.

[@VMan29397]

The reason Puerto Rico was not made a state in the 50s was because it wouldn't be a disaster. Yes I have to remember what he doesn't mention here was in the 1950s there were massive revolts by the pro-independence nationalist party in effort to gain the islands independent 1959 while they were not merely the Force that they were at the start of the decade they still had a sizable influence and if they tried to make Puerto Rico a State you would have had a large angry Group of puerto ricans that would engage in armed conflict The kind of witch that would have probably been on par with the troubles of Northern Ireland

[@TheMostSLENDERking]

THANK Goodness

[@philipwebster8565]

My take as a foreigner looking in, is that the status quo isn't really ideal for anyone. Independence would make Puerto Rico a poorer place but would preserve its culture (In theory). Statehood would make it richer and respected but possibly more Anglo American. But perhaps statehood with build in caveats such as retaining Spanish and English (like Texas). I feel they could also use Statehood to build their economy and in theory have independence in the future if they still want it then. Although I suspect they'll embrace themselves as another Texas (a unique state in the Union). Politically as some people have suggested I think it would actually be more purple than you'd initially assume. Catholics tend to be socially conservative so I do feel both parties would be able to win and both would tend to elect more moderate candidates. Personally I feel that it will be a state in my lifetime for these reasons. I think it will always be known as a unique state like Texas or Hawaii rather than somewhere pretty basic like Ohio. But I think it will be able to retain its culture and yet acquire the benefits of statehood and create a more prosperous population. I think it will always have an independence movement like Texas and Hawaii but my gut feeling is they will ultimately choose prosperity. But I'd obviously love to hear from real Puerto Ricans (in a respectful manner).

[@VMan29397]

It's never going to be a state because statehood is dead in Puerto Rico. It dropped in support by 18% points from 2012 to 2020. Also it's the other way around statehood would make Puerto Rico poor not richer and independence would make Puerto Rico richer not poor. Puerto Rico's entire industry is based off the pharmaceutical companies the pharmaceutical companies only operate in puerto rico because it's not a state and they don't have to pay certain taxes that they would inquire by operating in a state the moment you make puerto rico a state those companies leave and what an island that has a 20% unemployment rate that's going to bloom to over half the island. There's actually an entire podcast on how the economics of independence and vastly outweigh the economics of statehood. Look up the Paseo podcast They did a interview with the author of the book Puerto Rico the economic case for sovereignty And he actually goes into detail on why this idea that Puerto Rico would be poor if it gained independence is comically absurd

[@davidlasdon457]

Unlike Alaska and Hawaii there isn't overwhelming support in Puerto Rico for statehood. It's always broken about even. There are around 6 million people of Puerto Rican descent in the 50 United States, nearly twice the number on the island. So many people who would support statehood leave and are Americans where they live.

[@shorewall]

Send them all back for a weekend to have the vote, and settle the issue, lol. For real though, that's the thing. They have citizenship, and can move freely within the US. After that, who cares? The people left on the island are split, and there's no rush.