Which of the following was a spanish territory acquired by the u. s.
during the spanish-american war?
a. monaco
b. puerto rico
c. belize
d. madagascar

The correct answer is B. Puerto Rico was a Spanish territory acquired by the U.S. during the Spanish-American War.

Explanation:

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Puerto Rico had been inhabited by Taino people for centuries. Christopher Columbus arrived on this island during his second voyage, on November 19, 1493. Members of the Taino people were enslaved during the Spanish rule and suffered great suffering due to difficult living conditions and illnesses brought by the Spaniards.

On November 25, 1897, the Government of Madrid recognized the autonomy of the island, whereby Puerto Rico ceased to exist as a colony. Instead, it became the overseas autonomous province of Spain exactly the same as other Spanish provinces. The Puerto Ricans thus became Spanish nationals and allowed Puerto Rico to have full representation before the Spanish courts in Madrid. The following year, Spain was forced to cede the island to the United States after its defeat in the Spanish-American War.