Puerto Rican Campaign

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Part of the Spanish-American War

Date	July 25 – August 13, 1898
Location	Puerto Rico
Result	Inconclusive

Combatants

Spain

United States

Commanders

General Macas

Nelson A. Miles

Strength

8,000

16,253

Casualties

34 dead,
90 wounded

7 dead,
50 wounded

Puerto Rican Campaign
San Juan – Yauco – Guayama – Guamani – Coamo – Silva Heights – Abonito Pass

The Puerto Rican Campaign (also: San Juan Campaign) refers to American operations on the island of Puerto Rico in the final stages of the Spanish-American War.

Left unfinished by the announcement of the armistice on August 13, the conquest of Puerto Rico was generally regarded as an easy American victory by the press and neutral observers, although Spanish opposition along the island's fortified northwest had stiffened considerably and may indeed have proven fierce would the campaign have gone on.

[edit] Landings

Nelson Miles shocked both American and Spanish military authorities when, in defiance of orders from President McKinley, who had approved a highly publicized amphibious siege of the heavily fortified capital of San Juan, opted instead to land his forces on the very opposite corner of the island, at the southwest port of Guánica.

Criticism of this daring move, however merited, was quickly silence by its strategic brilliance. Western Puerto Rico, a region of largely pro-American populace, had been only lightly garrisoned by the Spaniards, who had concentrated their defenses in the vicinity of San Juan. In the face of a massive and unexpected invasion from the rear, Spanish forces lost coherence, mounting disjointed and uncoordinated resistance or withdrawing to the northeast without giving battle.

Moreover, many cities rejoiced at the prospect of a change in government and willfully aided American forces.