When Don Pedro returned to Puerto Rico from his 10 year exile his homeland had seen many changes. What was the climate he was returning to and how did he respond? Was his leadership similar to the period between 1930 and 1936?
Very serious events took place in these years, some of which have been downplayed, and some of which could not and cannot be ignored by public record. Did the motivations behind nationalist activity change in this period? What was the response by colonial authorities?
During this time period Don Pedro also faced the most extreme attack on his personal well-being. What was the response to this attack at the time and what has history said actually happened?
Defying The Rule Of Empire
Returning To Puerto Rico’s Revolution Unlike in 1930 when he returned to Puerto Rico from his political tour of Latin America, when Don Pedro returned this time, he was welcomed by a gathering of thousands of supporters in one of the largest receptions in Puerto Rico’s history. After stepping off the SS Kathryn, he spoke…
Speaking Truth To Power
Dr. Manuel de la Pila Iglesias Many are the stories of Pedro Albizu Campos that portray the impact of his character. While going through the oral history with Ruth Reynolds held at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Hunter College, CUNY), I came across one that particularly grabbed my attention. Related to Ruth by Don…
The Nationalist Revolution Of 1950
Sparking The Fire Of Revolt By the time Don Pedro spoke on September 23, 1950 in Lares, nationalists were aware of an intent to assassinate him and arrest other leaders en masse. Colonial officials, thanks to informants, knew the Nationalist Party was preparing to stage an armed revolt. On June 11, Party members were on…
The Arrest Of A Nation
The Siege Of Don Pedro’s Residence After Don Pedro evaded police in the early morning of October 27 he made his way to the headquarters of the Nationalist Party located at 156 Calle Sol between Calle Cruz and Calle San José in Old San Juan—the building also served as his residence. He stayed there, quietly…
Radiation Torture In La Princesa
Political Abuse In The Atomic Age When Don Pedro was in Atlanta Penitentiary from 1937-1943, the health issues resulting from the conditions he faced were severe enough at the time to lead those close to him to believe he might soon die. His experience at La Princesa in the 1950s was significantly worse. In fact,…
Remembering Don Pedro 