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Explore the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. Commonwealth, and the ongoing debt and hurricane crises. Analyze progressive foreign policies and discuss potential solutions.
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September 28th: No bellwork today! • We will begin by reviewing the causes & effects of the Spanish-American War. • Get out your homework and be ready to discuss & review!
Puerto Rico Commonwealth, statehood, or independence?
In 1898, Puerto Rico was invaded and subsequently became a possession of the United States. US General Nelson Miles: “accept with joy the system of Government of the U.S.” Foraker Act of 1900 – established a civil government in PR, under control of U.S. Jones Act of 1917 – made Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens 1948 – FDR & Congress give PR the ability to elect their own governor 1952 – officially made PR a U.S. commonwealth Commonwealth – organized, but unincorporated, dependent territory. Puerto Rico after the SpAm War
U.S. Commonwealths • Did you know, the U.S. actually has TWO commonwealths….. • Puerto Rico and the North Mariana Islands!
Puerto Rico: Commonwealth, Statehood or Independence? • You will now read more about Puerto Rico and their status as a U.S. Commonwealth. • As you read…. Highlight and take notes on important events throughout Puerto Rico’s history. • Answer five questions that follow • Ultimately, you will need to form and defend your own opinion……. Should Puerto Rico remain a commonwealth? Granted statehood as the 51st U.S. state? Or, be given complete independence? Puerto Rico’s capital city – San Juan
BELLWORK: 10/3 • How did Puerto Rican citizens respond to America’s occupation during the Spanish American War? • How did the Treaty of Paris impact Puerto Rico’s government? • THINKER: Analyze the advantages/ disadvantages of U.S. colonial rule in PR
Effects of the Spanish-American War on Latin America • Following the Spanish-American War, the U.S. became more involved in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Introduction to Progressive Foreign Policy • The period following the Spanish American War (1900) until World War I (1918) is often referred to as The Progressive Era. • Progressivism: Effort to reform the U.S. and preserve its democratic values. • Confronted the problems caused by industrialization and urbanization.
Introduction to Progressive Foreign Policy • The Progressive Era was also characterized by a desire to extend those same democratic values into countries within the U.S. “sphere of influence.” • This idea of decreasing European influence while increasing U.S. involvement in political/economic affairs will lead to three different foreign policies during the era: • Big Stick Diplomacy (Roosevelt) • Dollar Diplomacy (Taft) • Moral Diplomacy (Wilson) • To learn more about the goals and implementation of these policies, read pgs. 133-142 & complete the wkst.
Progressive PresidentsRoosevelt, Taft & Wilson Taft: 1908-1912 Wilson: 1912-1921 TR: 1901-1908
Current Event: Puerto Rico Debt Crisis • Puerto Rico is in $70 Billion of debt! Here is why…… • 1970s: US gives tax cuts to companies who establish businesses in PR to avoid outsourcing economic boom • 2006: business tax cuts end to counteract tax cuts on the mainland • To pay bills, PR sold municipal bonds (a debt security issued by a state/nation to finance public spending on schools, roads, etc. – like an IOU) • Encouraged US to buy bonds because they were TRIPLE tax-exempt (income/property/sales) • Promise that bonds would be paid back FIRST before public services (= closing of schools and hospitals)
Current Event: Puerto Rico Debt Crisis • Hedge fund: Partnership of investors that use high risk methods, such as investing with borrowed money, in hopes of large gains. • Hedge funds benefit from unstable situations because they can buy bonds at really low prices, then flip them to try and generate a profit. • The problem? PR creditors (which could potentially help with loans/credit) are hedge funds. Hedge funds own 30% of Puerto Rico’s debt. • Unlike U.S. states, PR CANNOT file for ch.9 bankruptcy
PR video skips • Start at 0:55 • “responsible for a lot of good moments” 5:42-5:52 • Clemson “they came up with nothing” 10:13-10:27 • “so shaving money out of medicine and education is your better way” 15:10-15:20
Current Event: Puerto Rico Debt Crisis • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt-mpuR_QHQ • Where do the candidates stand? • Trump: No – do not bailout PR • Clinton: Yes – U.S. needs to aide PR • Johnson: No – do not bailout PR • Stein: Yes – U.S. needs to aide PR
Partner Discussion • In your opinion, what is the biggest cause or problem relating to Puerto Rico’s debt crisis?
Puerto Rico: Hurricane Crisis Hurricane Irma: 9/14 Hurricane Maria: 9/20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ZWX8ZgBnE
Puerto Rico: Hurricane Crisis • Massive economic and humanitarian crisis impacting 3 million American citizens. • Already in 11-year recession and now - lack of electricity and water. • Caribbean losses covered by insurance are estimated between $40 billion and $85 billion. More than 85% of those losses are in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico: FEMA Aide • Congress approved $15 billion for hurricane relief after Harvey hit (1/2 of that went to FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency) • FEMA funds go directly to areas hit by a disaster. • As of Monday morning, FEMA had $5.03 billion left in its fund until the end of the month.
Puerto Rico: Other Donations • Corporate Donations Starbucks, Verizon, and Google have pledged a collective $1.75 million for Puerto Rico. • AT&T and T-Mobile are waiving cellphone charges in affected areas, while several major airlines are flying in emergency supplies. • Puerto Rican celebrities, like Jennifer Lopez and Lin Manuel-Miranda are also raising donations.
What do YOU think? • Describe and defend your own opinion……. Should Puerto Rico remain a commonwealth? Granted statehood as the 51st U.S. state? Or, be given complete independence? Explain! (Answer this question on your post-it note!)
What do YOU think? U.S. STATE #51! COMPLETE INDEPENDNECE ENHANCED COMMONWEALTH! CURRENT COMMONWEALTH! ____________________________________________________
Puerto Rico’s Status • The class will be divided into four groups. Each group will represent a different option for the political status of Puerto Rico. • Your task: Explain the advantages/disadvantages of this form of government • Current commonwealth • Enhanced commonwealth • Statehood • Complete independence