What was the purpose of the Foraker Act of 1900?

The Foraker Act of 1900 was significant in that it aimed to establish a civilian government in Puerto Rico following its annexation by the United States after the Spanish-American War. The act created a framework for governance that included a governor appointed by the President of the United States and a legislative assembly, which allowed Puerto Ricans to have some degree of local self-government. This was a departure from prior military rule, signaling a shift towards civil administration and integration of Puerto Rico into the American political and social system.

While the act did not grant full U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans, it provided essential government structure and paved the way for more expansive governance rights over time. The focus was primarily on creating an effective civilian administration rather than military control or agricultural initiatives. This position reflects the broader imperial goals of the United States during this period, which included integrating newly acquired territories into the national framework while maintaining a degree of control.