Answer:
A By forcing Spain to cede Puerto Rico after the Spanish-American War
Step-by-step explanation:
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 on par with 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.