Harvest of Empire Puerto Ricans: Citizens Yet Foreigners Ashton Haga ENGL 3326 February 20, 2012

Location Smallest by land of Greater Antilles Includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands Vieques, Culebra, and Mona

Brief History of Puerto Rico Columbus discovered in 1493 Native people known as Taínos Under Spanish rule, forced into slavery Nearly wiped out due to European diseases Spain ceded Puerto Rico to United States in Treaty of Paris 1898 Since 1947, Puerto Rican citizens are able to elect their own governor cannot vote in U.S. presidential election

Poverty in Puerto Rico 3.8 million people live in Puerto Rico As of 2008, 44.8% of the population is below the poverty level As of 2011, 16% unemployment rate Average family size: 3.6 Income per family: $27,017 As of 2007, 1.479 million people in the labor force Agriculture 2.1% Industry 19% Services 79% During Great Depression, heavy migration to New York City Migration: The Puerto Rican Experience http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJnvmcsF6-A

Gang Activity From mid 1940s through mid 1960s From war production/manufacturing to service jobs Youth facing discrimination more likely to join Gangs faded in the 1960s due to public programs and increased drug use Gangland: Latin Kings of NYC Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59oQdI5xnLA&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL9E58BABFDA158478

Drug Use Most likely to turn to drugs if unable to successfully learn American meanings and perspectives Focus on wealth and freedom