Millennials Are Killing Capitalism A History of the Puerto Rican Independence Movement (1800-1958) with Francisco A. Santiago Cintrón & Sebastián Castrodad Reverón
Oct 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, labor lawyer and activist Francisco A. Santiago Cintrón and organizer Sebastián Castrodad Reverón dive into the rich history of the Puerto Rican independence movement. They explore the colonial violence that shaped national identity, the influence of Latin American revolutions, and pivotal uprisings like El Grito de Lares. The conversation illuminates class variations in nationalism and the impact of U.S. intervention, touching on labor unrest and the rise of radical leaders like Pedro Albizu Campos, while reflecting on the ongoing fight for independence.
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Identity Forged Against Colonial Rule
- Puerto Rican national identity formed largely in opposition to Spanish colonial rule during the 19th century.
- Antillean solidarity tied Puerto Rico's independence hopes to broader Caribbean liberation movements.
Abolition And Independence Were Intertwined
- Abolitionist and independence struggles were often linked in early Puerto Rican uprisings.
- Revolts and conspiracies across the 1820s–1860s show persistent anti-colonial momentum despite repeated failures.
The Grito de Lares Was Bold But Premature
- On September 23, 1868, Lares insurgents seized a church and proclaimed the Puerto Rican Republic amid limited arms and surprise.
- The attack later failed at nearby Peñuelas when Spanish forces, tipped off, ambushed them.
