Puerto Rican Identity

Civics and U.S. History courses raise the question: What does it mean to be an American? The case of Puerto Rico is an interesting one because Puerto Ricans find themselves in limbo between American citizenship and Puerto Rican nationalism. The following primary source sets explore the unique relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States including the different factors that influence Puerto Rican identity, including nationalism, political status, culture, and migration. By examining these primary sources, students will gain an understanding of:

• How the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico has changed over time
• How this relationship has influenced Puerto Rican identity
• Reasons for Puerto Rican migration to the United States
• Different perspectives on Puerto Rican identity and political status

This primary source set on Puerto Rican identity can be used in conjunction with other case studies in order to compare and contrast different American identities.