Autonomy Party

The Autonomy Party was a political party in Puerto Rico formed in 1897 through cooperation with Spain's Liberal Party. It advocated for political autonomy under Spanish rule, gaining momentum as an alternative to full integration into the Spanish government. The party's goal was to establish a parliamentary form of government for the island, overseen by a governor-general representing the Spanish king. This government would be responsible for local legislation, tariffs, and taxes, though the governor-general retained the power to disband the parliament and suspend civil rights. The Autonomy Party's formation was part of a broader movement for self-government that had been developing in Puerto Rico since the mid-19th century.1