Puerto Ricans Were Granted U.S. Citizenship in 1917

Today in Latin American history, the enactment of the Jones-Shafroth Act granted Puerto Ricans United States citizenship in 1917.

President Woodrow Wilson signed the act granting U.S. Citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico. It also created the Senate of Puerto Rico and established a bill of rights.

The current population of Puerto Rico is 3,667,084.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, a royalist fleet defeated a small flotilla of Argentine revolutionary ships in the Battle of San Nicolás on the River Plate in 1811

Today in LatAm history, Mexican conspirator Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez who fought for independence against Spain died in 1829

Today in LatAm history, the Republic of Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836

Today in LatAm history, the U.S. Congress passed the Platt Amendment limiting the autonomy of Cuba, as a condition of the withdrawal of American troops in 1901

Today in LatAm history, Cuban actor and bandleader Desi Arnaz who is known for his role on “I Love Lucy” was born in 1917

Today in LatAm history, former President of Chile Ricardo Lagos who was in office 2000-06 was born in 1938

Today in LatAm history, Argentine footballer Lisandro López who plays for the National team & Olympique Lyonnais was born in 1983

Today in LatAm history, Mexican footballer Edgar Andrade who plays for the National team & Jaguares was born in 1988