Research Paper Introduction!

 The Island of Puerto Rico is beautiful and filled with such a colorful culture. The island was first inhabited with Taino culture. Since then the culture has changed and modernized like the rest of the world. Christopher Columbus discovered islands in the Caribbean and later the U.S. Eventually Spanish settlers began to plant sugar cane and ginger on the island. They imported slaves from Africa and also other countries as well. This became became something larger called the Columbian Exchange. During this time many islands, including puerto rico, were introduced to new foods, resources , cultures, social changes, habits , and traditions. Due to war, slavery and european diseases, the majority of the indigenous people were wiped out. However, their culture continues to live on. Back then and centuries later, things like government and religion were also affected. People from the United States would come and  try to change who and what they believed in. They also felt they weren't fit to self govern simply because they wouldn't conform to the American way. Puerto Rico struggled with getting america to see that they were capable of independence. However, today they have about all the same rights as Americans do except they aren't allowed to vote for U.S. elections. They are allowed to elect their own governor and they have their own constitution. Puerto Rico continues to demonstrate that they are a very strong tiny nation with a beautiful culture.