Introduction to Research Paper
For this research paper, my focus is on Puerto Rico. More specifically, how the Jones Act (otherwise known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) has and still impacts Puerto Rico to this day. What the Jones Act does is enforces all sea shipping within the United States to be done only with United States ships. On the surface, one may not take issue with this. However, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, and yet cannot vote to change this law. This can make Puerto Ricans seem like second-class citizens. The intended purpose behind the Jones Act was for the United States to always have a homegrown shipping industry. This became an issue in the later stages of World War I, under president Woodrow Wilson. This was considered a national security concern. To this day, the United States shipping industry is weak and isn't taken seriously internationally. In times of actual naval conflict, it is common for the Jones Act to receive waivers because of the lack of Jones Act compla