<P> Located in the northeastern Caribbean , Puerto Rico formed a key part of the Spanish Empire from the early years of the exploration , conquest and colonization of the New World . The island was a major military post during many wars between Spain and other European powers for control of the region in the 16th , 17th and 18th centuries . The smallest of the Greater Antilles , Puerto Rico was a stepping - stone in the passage from Europe to Cuba , Mexico , Central America , and the northern territories of South America . Throughout most of the 19th century until the conclusion of the Spanish -- American War , Puerto Rico and Cuba were the last two Spanish colonies in the New World ; they served as Spain 's final outposts in a strategy to regain control of the American continents . Realizing that it was in danger of losing its two remaining Caribbean territories , the Spanish Crown revived the Royal Decree of Graces of 1815 . The decree was printed in Spanish , English and French in order to attract Europeans , with the hope that the independence movements would lose their popularity and strength with the arrival of new settlers . Free land was offered to those who wanted to populate the islands on the condition that they swear their loyalty to the Spanish Crown and allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church . </P>
<P> Located in the northeastern Caribbean , Puerto Rico formed a key part of the Spanish Empire from the early years of the exploration , conquest and colonization of the New World . The island was a major military post during many wars between Spain and other European powers for control of the region in the 16th , 17th and 18th centuries . The smallest of the Greater Antilles , Puerto Rico was a stepping - stone in the passage from Europe to Cuba , Mexico , Central America , and the northern territories of South America . Throughout most of the 19th century until the conclusion of the Spanish -- American War , Puerto Rico and Cuba were the last two Spanish colonies in the New World ; they served as Spain 's final outposts in a strategy to regain control of the American continents . Realizing that it was in danger of losing its two remaining Caribbean territories , the Spanish Crown revived the Royal Decree of Graces of 1815 . The decree was printed in Spanish , English and French in order to attract Europeans , with the hope that the independence movements would lose their popularity and strength with the arrival of new settlers . Free land was offered to those who wanted to populate the islands on the condition that they swear their loyalty to the Spanish Crown and allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church . </P>
what was puerto rico before it was a commonwealth
what was puerto rico before it was a commonwealth
a key part of the Spanish Empire
a key part of the Spanish Empire