The Cuban and Puerto Rican flags are similar because they both have a strong historical connection to the fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Both islands were colonized by Spain in the late 15th century and remained under Spanish control for hundreds of years. The design of the flags is based on the flag of the Cuban revolutionary movement that fought for independence from Spain in the late 19th century, which in turn is inspired by the flag of the First War of Independence of Puerto Rico, that was a struggle fought by Puerto Ricans against Spanish colonial rule. Both flags feature a white star on a blue triangle, which symbolizes the aspiration for freedom and independence. The similarities in the flags reflect the shared experiences and struggles of the people of Cuba and Puerto Rico for self-government and self-determination.