Federal Party (Puerto Rico)

The Federal Party (Spanish: Partido Federal) was a political party in Puerto Rico founded in 1899 following the Spanish-American War and the establishment of U.S. colonial rule. It advocated for broad autonomy for Puerto Rico within the United States, pushing for a self-governing relationship while maintaining ties to the U.S.

The party emerged from the Autonomist Party, fracturing along ideological lines in the new colonial context. The Federal Party, led by figures such as Luis Muñoz Rivera, initially championed the idea of an autonomous government with strong local control. Their vision diverged from those who favored immediate statehood or complete independence.

The Federal Party faced challenges in gaining widespread support. The political landscape was complex, with various factions vying for power and differing perspectives on the island's future relationship with the United States. Internal divisions and changing political realities led to the Federal Party's eventual dissolution in 1904, as its members realigned themselves within other emerging political movements. The Republican Party and the Union Party, which incorporated elements of the dissolved Federal Party, subsequently dominated Puerto Rican politics in the early 20th century.