The Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration: New Deal Public Works, Modernization, and Colonial Reform

The Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA) was a significant New Deal program that improved living conditions in Puerto Rico after hurricanes and the Great Depression. It led to a reformed and strengthened colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the US, with Puerto Rican engineers, planners, and officials taking a leading role in its public works program. The book explores the PRRA's impact on US colonialism and its contribution to the islands debt crisis and response to natural disasters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: University Press of Florida

The Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA) was a crucial New Deal program that significantly shaped the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. This comprehensive book delves into the history and profound impact of the PRRA, which stands as the most significant New Deal agency to operate in Puerto Rico and the largest created for any U.S. territory. Geoff Burrows, in his insightful exploration, showcases how the PRRA played a pivotal role in improving living conditions across the island in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes and the Great Depression. At the same time, it resulted in a reformed, strengthened, and enduring colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S.

Burrows employs a wealth of previously untapped archival sources and a diverse array of primary and secondary texts to trace the agency's trajectory from its establishment by President Roosevelt in 1935 to its termination in 1955. By situating the PRRA's public works program within both Puerto Rican and New Deal contexts, Burrows provides a comprehensive account of the agency's achievements. Noteworthy among these accomplishments are the construction of the Caribbeans first modern cement plant, the widespread rural electrification achieved through the building of seven hydroelectric dams, the construction of hurricane-proof houses, schools, and hospitals, and the enhancement of transportation and communication networks across the island. Puerto Rican engineers, planners, and officials played a prominent role in these initiatives, which not only improved the quality of life for the island's residents but also transformed the island's economy from agricultural to industrial.

The Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration: The First Institutional History and Critical Examination of the Agency is a groundbreaking work that delves into critical questions about the New Deal's global reach. It explores how New Deal agendas reshaped U.S. colonialism in Puerto Rico and, indirectly, contributed to the island's current debt crisis and response to recent natural disasters, such as Hurricane María. Through meticulous research and analysis, Burrows sheds light on the complex interplay between federal policies, local politics, and economic development, offering valuable insights into the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Puerto Rico.

This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the historical and political complexities of Puerto Rico and its relationship with the United States. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of the PRRA's achievements and challenges, contributing to a deeper understanding of the island's past and present. By examining the legacy of the PRRA, this book offers valuable lessons for policymakers and advocates working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for Puerto Rico.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 228 x 150 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781683404309