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La Mano de Washington: How U.S. Presidents Failed Puerto Rico
For over 120 years, Puerto Rico has lived under the control of the United States, yet it has no vote in Congress, no say in presidential elections, and no path to true self determination. Why?
In La Mano de How U.S. Presidents Failed Puerto Rico, Alex Alicea exposes the long and often hidden history of how U.S. presidents, both Democrat and Republican, have neglected, exploited, and undermined the island since 1898.
From the Spanish American War to Hurricane María, from Woodrow Wilson’s citizenship for war policy to Trump’s paper towel moment, this powerful book walks readers through every major administration and the decisions that kept Puerto Rico in political limbo. With vivid storytelling and plain language, Alex Alicea tries to breaks down complex topics like the Jones Act, PROMESA, the Puerto Rican debt crisis, and the gag laws that criminalized independence.
Whether you're exploring Puerto Rican political history, learning about American colonialism, or searching for a deeper understanding of U.S. Puerto Rico relations, this book is a vital, eye opening resource.
🔍 Perfect for readers interested Puerto Rico and United States relations
U.S. territories and colonial history
Political corruption and presidential policy
Puerto Rican independence and resistance
PROMESA and the Fiscal Control Board
Hurricane María government response
American imperialism and systemic injustice
📚 Why Readers Love This Clear and accessible history with names, dates, and real events
Ideal for students, educators, activists, and anyone exploring Puerto Rican identity
A must read for understanding how power and politics impact real lives
Powerful, honest, La Mano de Washington is more than history, it’s a call to finally listen.
In La Mano de How U.S. Presidents Failed Puerto Rico, Alex Alicea exposes the long and often hidden history of how U.S. presidents, both Democrat and Republican, have neglected, exploited, and undermined the island since 1898.
From the Spanish American War to Hurricane María, from Woodrow Wilson’s citizenship for war policy to Trump’s paper towel moment, this powerful book walks readers through every major administration and the decisions that kept Puerto Rico in political limbo. With vivid storytelling and plain language, Alex Alicea tries to breaks down complex topics like the Jones Act, PROMESA, the Puerto Rican debt crisis, and the gag laws that criminalized independence.
Whether you're exploring Puerto Rican political history, learning about American colonialism, or searching for a deeper understanding of U.S. Puerto Rico relations, this book is a vital, eye opening resource.
🔍 Perfect for readers interested Puerto Rico and United States relations
U.S. territories and colonial history
Political corruption and presidential policy
Puerto Rican independence and resistance
PROMESA and the Fiscal Control Board
Hurricane María government response
American imperialism and systemic injustice
📚 Why Readers Love This Clear and accessible history with names, dates, and real events
Ideal for students, educators, activists, and anyone exploring Puerto Rican identity
A must read for understanding how power and politics impact real lives
Powerful, honest, La Mano de Washington is more than history, it’s a call to finally listen.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 7, 2025
Powerful, eye-opening.
La Mano de Washington really opened my eyes. Alex Alicea digs deep into how U.S. presidents from both parties have failed Puerto Rico for more than a century, and he does it in a way that’s super clear and easy to follow. The mix of history, politics, and real stories hits hard without feeling too heavy. Definitely worth reading.
La Mano de Washington really opened my eyes. Alex Alicea digs deep into how U.S. presidents from both parties have failed Puerto Rico for more than a century, and he does it in a way that’s super clear and easy to follow. The mix of history, politics, and real stories hits hard without feeling too heavy. Definitely worth reading.
Displaying 1 of 1 review