"Explores how local political elites have shaped Puerto Rican identity during almost a century of US involvement. Traces Island's political trajectory in its relations with US (pt. 1), and reproduces verbatim interviews with selected political leaders to identify elements that contribute to Puerto Ricans' sense of nationhood (pt. 2). Concludes that, despite pervasiveness of US cultural norms and the pressure to assimilate, Puerto Rican identity remains resilient to this day (pt. 3)"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.