Luis Muñoz Marín
April 12th 2009 01:06
Luis Muñoz Marín
He is known as, "Father of Modern Puerto Rico” was a poet, journalist, and politician. He was the first democratically elected Governor of Puerto Rico and is considered one of the most important political figures in Las Americas during the 20th century.
After a brief involvement with the Socialist Party, he began developing an ideology based on independence. In 1932, he joined a newly-formed Liberal Party and ran a successful bid for senator. In 1937, Muñoz Marín was expelled from the Liberal Party and created a group known as ‘Acción Social Independentista’. One year later, he took part in the foundation of the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico. This party won a majority in the Senate of Puerto Rico, with Muñoz Marín serving as its president. In 1947, the United States Congress passed legislation that allowed Puerto Rico to elect its own governor. Consequently, Muñoz Marín ran a successful campaign for the position, taking office on January 2, 1949. As governor, Marín started Operation Commonwealth. Its goal was to achieve more self-rule from the United States. In 1952, Puerto Rico succeeded in becoming a commonwealth of the United States.
The last phase of Marín's great plan was called Operation Serenidad (Serenity). He felt that Puerto Ricans might enjoy life more if they could enjoy the arts. Operation Serenidad encouraged development and enjoyment of the arts in Puerto Rico.
In 1964, Muñoz Marín decided not to run for a fifth term as governor of Puerto Rico. Marín continued to contribute to Puerto Rico, however, by returning to his Senate seat. Luis Muñoz Marín died in 1980.
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