why can puerto rico split from the us but a state cant?

Puerto rico has voted before to split from the us but when 11 states tried to do 500000 americans were killed. I don't get it

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SW-User

I've only heard of them voting to become a state. I can't think of any us possessions/territories that were made independent. not that it couldn't have happened, just I can't recall/think of.

SW-User

@DeadCowboy: the Philippines come to mind.

Mountainlady16 · 22-25, F

@hyg346: cuba too or it may just been a protectorate

SW-User

@Mountainlady16: I think it was a territory when Puerto Rico became one too?

SW-User

@hyg346: ah. and technically cuba. of sorts.

Mountainlady16 · 22-25, F

@hyg346: at the end of the Spanish American war.

Mountainlady16 · 22-25, F

@DeadCowboy: i think it was a protectiorate i don't know the difference besides ppl that live in a protectorate or not citizens

SW-User

@Mountainlady16: I think we got Guam out of that too. But idk the difference between protectorate or territory so I can't say.

SW-User

@Mountainlady16: according to wikipedia, spain gave up control and the US was to occupy. seems like a far less formal 'hey this isn't really yours, but nobody's gonna keep you out. also, it'd be really handy if you kept everyone else out' sorta deal.

Mountainlady16 · 22-25, F

@hyg346: we did and the Philippines too. We act have 16 territories and counting territories the US is in all 4 hemisphere

Mountainlady16 · 22-25, F

@DeadCowboy: Cuba yeah same with Philippines. Puerto Rico and Guam is different their ppl are citizens

Mountainlady16 · 22-25, F

America Samoa too