Independence from Spain Independence movement in Puerto Rico

roman catholic church , plaza de la revolución in lares, 1868 grito de lares

took place

in 1868, grito de lares took place, in revolutionaries occupied town of lares , declared republic of puerto rico. ramón emeterio betances leader of revolt. earlier, segundo ruiz belvis , betances had founded comité revolucionario de puerto rico (revolutionary committee of puerto rico) exile in dominican republic. betances wrote several proclamas, or statements attacking exploitation of puerto ricans spanish colonial system, , called immediate insurrection. these statements rapidly circulated throughout island local dissident groups began organize.

most dissidents criollos (born on island). critical state of economy, along increasing repression imposed spanish, served catalysts rebellion. stronghold of movement towns located on mountains of west of island. rebels looted local stores , offices owned peninsulares (spanish-born residents) , took on city hall. took prisoners spanish merchants , local government officials. revolutionaries placed revolutionary flag on high altar of church signify revolution had begun. republic of puerto rico proclaimed, , francisco ramírez medina proclaimed interim presidency. revolutionaries offered immediate freedom slave join them.

in next town, san sebastián del pepino, grito de lares revolutionaries encountered heavy resistance spanish militia , retreated lares. spanish militia rounded rebels , brought insurrection end. government imprisoned 475 rebels, , military court imposed death penalty, treason , sedition, on prisoners. in madrid, eugenio maría de hostos , other prominent puerto ricans successful in interceding, , national government ordered general amnesty , release of prisoners. numerous leaders, such betances, rojas, lacroix, aurelio méndez , others, sent exile.