Season 2. Ep 4: The Economic Impact of Colonization

Tune in as we discuss some of the economic impacts of colonialism. At the height of its reign, the UK held 25% of the earth's surface as part of its empire. The US has had up to 14 US territories, including Liberia, after enslaved people were repatriated for freedom. For Puerto Rico, it remains with 45% living below the poverty line. Puerto Rico has been in a economic depression for 16 years following the expiration of a US tax code that allowed companies “tax breaks” for doing business in Puerto Rico. Most of Puerto Rico’s financial woes directly result from federal regulations that expired, been repealed or no longer apply to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has been unable to become self-sufficient.  Under Spaniard rule, the population of Tainos was exploited as enslaved people, and the island's natural resources were stripped for Spanish gain. Because it is a US territory, it is restricted in how it can trade with other countries.