 the independence movement in puerto rico refers to unsuccessful initiatives by occupants throughout the history of the island with the goal of obtaining independence for the island people, first from the spanish empire and, since 1898, from the united states. a wide variety of groups, movements, political parties, and organizations over the centuries have worked for this. since the beginning of the 19th century, the independence movement in puerto rico has used both peaceful, political means as well as violent, revolutionary actions to achieve its objectives. since the mid-19th century, various organized political movements have advocated independence of the island. a spectrum of autonomous, nationalist, and independence sentiments and political parties exist on the island. particularly since the second half of the 20th century, the independence movement has not attracted wide support and support at elections. in a status referendum in 2012, 5.5% voted for independence while statehood obtained over 61% of the votes cast.{{cite web | url = http://div2.ceepur.or
Independence_movements Nationalist_movements_in_North_America Political_advocacy_groups_in_Puerto_Rico Political_history_of_Puerto_Rico Puerto_Rican_independence_movement Secession_in_the_United_States