Understanding Puerto Rico's Colonial History

The video explores the history of Puerto Rico as a U.S. colony, highlighting the economic and cultural exploitation by the U.S. government. It discusses the resistance led by Puerto Rican nationalists and the severe repression they faced, including surveillance and psychological warfare. The video also touches on the personal story of the narrator's experience with therapy, sponsored by BetterHelp.

What term does the U.S. prefer to use instead of 'colony' when referring to territories like Puerto Rico?

• Overseas department

• Unincorporated territory

• Protectorate

• Federal district

What was the primary economic transformation in Puerto Rico under U.S. control?

• Industrialization

• Tourism development

• Sugar farming

• Fishing industry

What was the U.S. justification for involving itself in the Spanish-American War?

• To liberate Spanish colonies

• To expand its territory

• To establish trade routes

• To spread democracy

How did the U.S. government economically disadvantage Puerto Ricans after taking control?

• By banning exports

• By closing local businesses

• By increasing taxes

• By devaluing and outlawing local currency

Who led the Puerto Rican independence movement against U.S. control?

• Luis Muñoz Marín

• Pedro Albizu Campos

• Rafael Hernández Colón

• José Celso Barbosa

What extreme measure did the U.S. use to suppress the Puerto Rican independence movement?

• FBI surveillance

• Military occupation

• Diplomatic isolation

• Economic sanctions

What was the purpose of the FBI's 'carpetas' in Puerto Rico?

• To promote tourism

• To spy on and intimidate independence supporters

• To track economic growth

• To document cultural events

What was a significant consequence of the FBI's surveillance program in Puerto Rico?

• Increased tourism

• Political independence

• Economic prosperity

• Psychological division and fear

What is the current political status of Puerto Rico?

• Independent nation

• U.S. state

• Commonwealth with full rights

• Unincorporated territory

Despite its political status, what significant impact does Puerto Rico have on American culture?

• It leads in technological innovation

• It is a major political power

• It influences American cuisine, music, and art

• It has no impact