FORMATION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY

Three principal cultures --the Taino, the African and the Spanish-- shape Puerto Rican national identity.

The Tainos originate in South America and travel to “Borinquen,” the indigenous name for Puerto Rico still used today. In 1493, the Spanish conquistadores arrive on the Island and enslave the population forcing them to mine for gold. The estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Tainos living on the island suffer greatly at their hands and resist by refusing to work, abandoning towns, and organizing rebellions. But, they are overpowered. As the Spanish deplete the mines and discover abundant precious metals in Peru and Mexico, they lose interest in Puerto Rico and depart for South America.

However, Spain wants Puerto Rico as a strategic military post to control the region and takes measures to