> But, if Puerto Rico wanted to become an independent nation, do you imagine the USA would let it without trying to quash the "rebellion" with both economic and military might?
The US did it for the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands in recent-ish years, why wouldn't they do it for Puerto Rico if they wanted to?
I can't easily find any mentions of the US using military force to compel Palau to submit. It's independent since 1946 or so, and has a comprehensive treaty with the US. Can you please give some keywords or dates of the enforcement actions you allege to?
GP gave Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands as examples of territories the US allowed to become independent without trying to crush them economically or militarily, so your question seems... misplaced.
The US did it for the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands in recent-ish years, why wouldn't they do it for Puerto Rico if they wanted to?