EL GRITO DE LARES

September 23rd, 1868 marks the birth of the Puerto Rican nation. Under the leadership of Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances, a doctor, writer, journalist, poet and principal organizer of the independence movement, Islanders launch an armed rebellion to end Spanish colonial rule. Nearly 1,000 revolutionaries --escaped African slaves, jibaros from the countryside, and middle and upper class creoles-- gather outside the mountain town of Lares. They reach town on foot or by horse with shouts of "Que Viva Puerto Rico Libre!"  “Long Live Free Puerto Rico!” and proclaim the Republic of Puerto Rico.

Spain crushes the insurrection but is forced to make some political concessions. While the rebellion does not succeed in overthrowing the Spanish government, it does express the people’s desire for independence. The uprising marks the beginning of the Puerto Rican nation.