Antillean Confederation

Background

The Antillean Confederation was first proposed on April 11, 1868, by Ramón Emeterio Betances, who wanted the Spanish-speaking Greater Antilles to unite in a political confederation. The goal was to preserve the sovereignty and interests of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Supporters aimed to free the Spanish island possessions of Cuba and Puerto Rico, then unite them with the Dominican Republic in Hispaniola. Betances adapted the Monroe Doctrine phrase "America for the Americans" into "Antilles for the Antilleans." The main gathering point for idealists was San Felipe de Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The idea was supported by generals who fought in the Dominican War of Independence, the Dominican Restoration War, the Ten Years' War, the Little War, the Cuban War of Independence, and the Grito de Lares revolt in Puerto Rico. Strongest support ran from the 1860s up until the Spanish–American War, which transferred Cuba and Puerto Rico from Spain to the United States, after which support largely faded. In the 1900s, Puerto Rican politician José de Diego based his Antillean Union on the original confederation's ideals.