Operation Bootstrap was launched after the Second World War to attract U.S. corporations to Puerto Rico. What was the overall outcome of Operation Bootstrap?
A) Rapid overall growth in the Puerto Rican economy although unemployment remained high and wages stayed low
B) Reduced unemployment in Puerto Rico and increased wages despite the fact that few new corporations were attracted.
C) Significantly higher wages for workers but at the cost of significantly increased unemployment
D) Decreased wages for both Puerto Ricans and U.S. workers as corporations sought bases in other countries

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Operation Bootstrap did lead to rapid growth in the Puerto Rican economy, but unemployment remained high and wages stayed low. The program attracted many U.S. corporations, but these companies mainly sought to take advantage of low labor costs, which kept wages from rising significantly. Despite these limitations, the program did help Puerto Rico become more industrialized and less reliant on agriculture.

Operation Bootstrap Was Launched After the Second World War to Attract