Jones-Shafroth Act (1917)

The Jones-Shafroth Act (Jones Act of 1917), signed on March 2, 1917, imposed U.S. citizenship on all Puerto Ricans and restructured the island's government. The timing was significant: it was signed just one month before the United States entered World War I, making Puerto Rican men eligible for the military draft.

Key provisions:
- Collectively granted U.S. citizenship to all Puerto Ricans (without a vote or referendum)
- Created a bill of rights for Puerto Rico
- Established an elected bicameral legislature (Senate and House of Representatives)
- The governor was still appointed by the U.S. President
- The President retained veto power over all Puerto Rican legislation
- Congress retained the power to annul any Puerto Rican law

The citizenship was imposed, not requested. The Puerto Rican House of Delegates had unanimously voted against it. Within months, approximately 20,000 Puerto Rican men were drafted into the U.S. military for World War I.

The act is distinct from the Jones Act of 1920 (Merchant Marine Act), which also severely impacts Puerto Rico by requiring all goods shipped between U.S. ports to travel on U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, U.S.-crewed ships.