Independence movement in Puerto Rico

The Independence Movement in Puerto Rico refers to initiatives by inhabitants throughout the history of Puerto Rico to obtain independence for the island people. First from the Spanish Empire, and since 1898, from the United States. A wide variety of groups, movements, political parties, and organizations have worked for Puerto Rican Independence over the centuries.A spectrum of autonomous, Nationalist, and Independence sentiments and political parties exist on the island. Since the beginning of the 19th century, organizations advocating independence in Puerto Rico have attempted both peaceful political means as well as violent revolutionary actions to achieve its objectives. During the second half of the 20th century, the independence movement has attracted neither widespread support nor support at elections from the Puerto Rican people. In a status referendum in 2012, 5.5% voted for independence while Statehood obtained over 61% of the votes cast. Independence also received the least support, less than 4.5% of the vote, in the status referendums in 1967, 1993 & 1998.