War Against All Puerto Ricans

Revolution and Terror in America's Colony

By: Nelson A. Denis

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1950, after over 50 years of military occupation and colonial rule, the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico staged an unsuccessful armed insurrection against the United States. Violence swept through the island: Assassins were sent to kill President Harry Truman, gunfights roared in eight towns, police stations and post offices were burned down. In order to suppress this uprising, the US Army deployed thousands of troops and bombarded two towns, marking the first time in history that the US government bombed its own citizens.

Nelson A. Denis tells this powerful story through the controversial life of Pedro Albizu Campos, who served as the president of the Nationalist Party. A lawyer, a chemical engineer, and the first Puerto Rican to graduate from Harvard Law School, Albizu Campos was imprisoned for 25 years and died under mysterious circumstances. By tracing his life and death, Denis shows how the journey of Albizu Campos is part of a larger story of Puerto Rico and US colonialism.

Through oral histories, personal interviews, eyewitness accounts, congressional testimony, and recently declassified FBI files, War Against All Puerto Ricans tells the story of a forgotten revolution and its context in Puerto Rico's history, from the US invasion in 1898 to the modern-day struggle for self-determination. Denis provides an unflinching account of the gunfights, prison riots, political intrigue, FBI and CIA covert activity, and mass hysteria that accompanied this tumultuous period in Puerto Rican history.

©2015 Nelson A. Denis (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A pointed, relentless chronicle of a despicable part of past American foreign policy." ( Kirkus)

WOW just...WOW!

Had to overcome my personal preference to non Spanish speakers trying to say Spanish phrases, but the story and information that I just never learned until now took me aback. now searching for another one to keep learning.

OMG! A must read for History Buffs!

The research it took to get this book or shall I say the voices of a forgotten people is immense. The details of events and Occurrences is so specific-its like you are there. If you are Puerto Rican or Latino, this is a book that you should listen too and read. This is a History of the War on Puerto Rican’s, but also a retelling of what has happened now Latin America for hundreds of years.

Great historical story.

Loved it! And the narrator was great. He kept you interested in the book/story. He's great to listen to.

Enlightening and Highly Recommended

Fantastic novel.

To the author: I just finished the novel and I feel deflated but proud at the same time. Thank you for all if the effort put into this book. As a child, I heard similar stories of tragedies in Puerto Rico. Sadly, many Puerto Ricans are unaware if their own history anymore.

The book is a must read. But the voice over sucked

The nook is definitely a must read. But the producer of the audible version should be ashamed of themselves. The voice artist did zero research on how to pronounce anything in Spanish. It's literally adding insult to injury. I'm sure some snide American did it on purpose. Shameful.

EXCELLENT

fantastic history of the Puerto Rico Island, a story to few have learned due to the ideology of the American government

Very Important Read for all

A very important unabashed account of colonialism. The research and details are strikingly accurate. Please take the time to read and do your own research

Striking history of Puerto Rico

So grateful this text exists. Know the history. Know what happened in Puerto Rico by the hands of the US government in the early & mid 20th century. Viva Puerto Rico.

OMG, all my apologies!

I read this book upon recommendation of a Puerto Rico FB group I belong to. Currently I spend 2 mos a year on this beautiful island and look to increase that each year. I think it's essential to understand the history of a country if you want to understand the people's who are your neighbors. Thank you for this book. Everytime I now view a PR flag I will understand why it's displayed and painted everywhere. And send a quick prayer for the ultimate independence or equality of these wonderful people.

Complete Game Changer

As an American, of Puerto Rican dissent, this book has become a must read. Growing up in the American school system, specifically New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida, not knowing my heritage through the lens of the true facts of colonization was sobering. My heart broke more than once listening to the account of my indigenous people fighting for basic human rights. Yet, it left me with a sense of responsibility and fortified resolve that in my adulthood I can take an active role in sharing this knowledge. Powerful!