When did Puerto Rico get their independence and was it a violent transition?

There have been several referendums on the status of Puerto Rico, with the most recent one held in 2020. In this referendum, 52.5% of voters chose statehood, while 47.5% chose independence. However, this referendum was not binding, and Puerto Rico's status remains unchanged.

The movement for Puerto Rican independence has a long history, with the first major independence movement emerging in the 19th century. This movement was led by figures such as Ramón Emeterio Betances and José de Diego. In the 20th century, the independence movement gained further momentum, with the founding of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party in 1922. The Nationalist Party was responsible for several acts of violence, including the Jayuya Uprising of 1950.

The United States government has generally opposed Puerto Rican independence, fearing that it would set a precedent for other US territories to seek independence. In addition, the US government has argued that Puerto Ricans are not a separate nation, but are rather citizens of the United States.

The issue of Puerto Rican independence is a complex one, with strong arguments on both sides. It is a debate that is likely to continue for many years to come.