History of Puerto Rico

From the most ancient times of Puerto Rico Indians occupied. 19  November, 1493 the island has been open by Christopher Columbus. The gain of island has begun Spaniards in 1508. Colonizers since 1515 have started to cultivate a sugarcane which has soon turned to the basic crop to Puerto Rico. The sugarcane was very labour-consuming crop and for job on plantations Spaniards have started with 1518 to deliver slaves from Africa. The island indigenous population has been exterminated by the sixteenth century end. The slavery to Puerto Rico has been cancelled only in 1873. As a result of the Spanish-American war of 1898 the island has passed into possession of the USA and from the beginning of the twentieth century the American capital began to play the leading part in a sugar industry of Puerto Rico. In 1930th years in Puerto Rico traffic for declaration of independence has gained in strength. In 1948 of the USA have granted Puerto Rico the right to select own governor. In the autumn of 1950 supporters of independence have managed to lift revolt on island which has ended with failure. Since 1952 of Puerto Rico has gained the status of state which have freely affiliated to the USA and the self-management rights. In a course plebistsitov 1967 and 1993 the majority of the population of Puerto Rico has supported conservation of the existing status of the country.