Slavery+in+Puerto+Rico

Puerto Rico has depended on slave labor in centuries past, the growth of the plantation economy and the demand for slaves developed rather late. In the 18th century the economy began to depend on the importation of slaves for their labor purposes. A crucial factor in Puerto Rican history is the role of foreign powers, also principally those of the Spanish crown and foreign immigrants, which had shaped the political and economic structures of the island well into the 19th century. The rapid expansion of the sugar industry of the island will be illustrated in terms of its direct relation to the Puerto Rican slave trade. 1508 marked the year of the Spanish colonization in Puerto Rico. But Claimed for Spain in 1493.it was not until 15 years later that the Spaniards began to populate and govern the island. In the end of the 19th century the Spanish crown controlled most all aspects of Puerto Rico life. ==It is estimated that the first African slave was brought to the island in 1513 by Portuguese traders. A significant slave population did not develop on its island until the 19th century. This was the reason that Spain itself could not support this extension of its overseas empire. Puerto Rico began a major economic transition in coffee, tobacco and most importantly, sugar cane production. The British campaigned to impede the slave trade. The increased competition in the slave market forced Puerto Rico to engage in it. Ever since the early 1800's slavery in Puerto Rico has been abolished, but there are still some areas in the country that still has a sort of slavery.==