Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898, after the Spanish-American War, when Spain ceded the island to the United States.

When Was Puerto Rico Made a US Territory?

Quick Scoop

  • Puerto Rico was made a U.S. territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War, when Spain ceded the island to the United States in the Treaty of Paris.
  • In 1917 , the Jones–Shafroth Act confirmed Puerto Rico’s territorial status and granted U.S. citizenship to people born there.

So, if you’re asking “when was Puerto Rico made a US territory?” , the key year is 1898 , with 1917 as a major milestone that formalized its political and citizenship relationship with the U.S.

Short Timeline

  • 1898 – Spain loses the Spanish–American War and, under the Treaty of Paris , cedes Puerto Rico to the United States, making it a U.S. territory.
  • 1900 – The Foraker Act sets up a U.S.-controlled civil government on the island.
  • 1917 – The Jones–Shafroth Act grants U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans and further defines the island’s territorial status.

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