Subject
Puerto Rico -- History -- To 1898 Books
Best books
Murat Halstead
The Story of the Philippines Natural Riches, Industrial Resources, Statistics of Productions, Commerce and Population; The Laws, Habits, Customs, Scenery and Conditions of the Cuba of the East Indies and the Thousand Islands of the Archipelagoes of India and Hawaii, With Episodes of Their Early History; The Eldorado of the Orient; Personal Character Sketches of and Interviews with Admiral Dewey, General Merritt, General Aguinaldo and the Archbishop of Manila; History and Romance, Tragedies and Traditions of our Pacific Possessions; Events of the War in the West with Spain, and the Conquest of Cuba and Porto Rico
"The Story of the Philippines" by Murat Halstead is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the Philippine Islands, reflecting on their natural resources, culture, and the significant events surrounding their acquisition by the United States during the Spanish-American War. Halstead discusses notable figures such as Admiral Dewey and General Aguinaldo, weaving personal observations and detailed accounts into a narrative that highlights the political and military dynamics at play during this transformative period. The opening of the text sets the stage for Halstead's exploration of the Philippines following their recent occupation by American forces. He provides context regarding the circumstances of his journey to the islands, the state of American military presence, and the shifting geopolitics following Spain's defeat. The initial chapters focus on key events, including Dewey's strategic victory at Manila Bay and the reactions of the local Filipino populace to foreign rule. With a blend of personal anecdotes, historical documentation, and character sketches, Halstead depicts the complex interactions within the islands, revealing both the promises and challenges of American expansion in the region. This beginning establishes the groundwork for a multifaceted historical narrative that seeks to inform American citizens about their new territorial acquisitions and the people living within them.
Cayetano Coll y Toste
Colon en Puerto-Rico
"Colon en Puerto-Rico" by Cayetano Coll y Toste is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work explores the contentious claims of three towns in Puerto Rico regarding their connection to Christopher Columbus’s voyages, specifically his second journey to the Americas. The book seeks to clarify these points of dispute with historical and philological analysis, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the island's early colonization history. At the start of "Colon en Puerto-Rico," the author sets the stage for a debate over the exact location where Columbus and his crew first set foot in Puerto Rico. He discusses the rival claims of Aguada, Mayagüez, and Guayanilla, emphasizing a desire for objective analysis rather than local pride. Coll y Toste introduces the historical complexities surrounding Columbus's expeditions, referencing various scholars and historical documents to support his narrative. He highlights the loss of Columbus's original diary and the challenges historians face in accurately piecing together the events of the time, thereby foreshadowing an in-depth examination of the voyage's historical significance and the controversies it engendered.
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