Today in History: US raised flag in Puerto Rico as Spain relinquished its control

The flag of the United States being raised over San Juan, Puerto Rico, on October 18, 1898, is a historic moment that marked the transfer of Puerto Rico from Spanish control to U.S. control during the Spanish-American War. The United States invaded Puerto Rico as part of its broader campaign against the Spanish Empire in 1898.

U.S. forces, led by General Nelson A. Miles, landed on the island and engaged in a brief conflict with the Spanish defenders.
On October 18, 1898, following the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, which officially ended the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States.

As a result of this transfer, the American flag was raised over San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, symbolizing the change in sovereignty from Spain to the United States.
The American military occupation of Puerto Rico continued for several years after the treaty was signed. Eventually, the island was organized as an unincorporated territory of the United States, and Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens in 1917 through the Jones-Shafroth Act.

Since then, Puerto Rico's political status has been a subject of ongoing debate, with some advocating for statehood, others for independence, and still others for continued territorial status.
Key points regarding the Spanish-American War and Puerto Rico:

1. Treaty of Paris (1898): This treaty ended the Spanish-American War and had several important provisions related to Puerto Rico. Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Cuba to the United States. While Cuba eventually gained independence, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines became U.S. possessions.
2. Change in Sovereignty: Puerto Rico's sovereignty changed from Spanish to American rule. Under U.S. control, Puerto Rico became an unincorporated territory, meaning that while Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917, they did not have the same political rights as residents of the mainland United States.
3. Political Status: Puerto Rico's political status has been a contentious issue for many years. The island has gone through various phases of governance, including military rule, civilian government under the Foraker Act (1900-1917), and