Dominican Republic: 1821-1916

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Dominican Republic History: 1821-1916 In 1821 the once-vibrant economic powerhouse known as the Colony of Santo Domingo began its fight for what is known as the Ephemeral Independence, but this was not to last. By 1822 the newly independent Haitians were fearful that the French would use the eastern portion of the island to mount an attack on Haiti, and re-establish slavery. Under the leadership of Jean Pierre Boyer, the Haitians invaded the eastern side of Hispaniola, outlawed slavery, and unified the island once again. However, conditions under Haitian rule were no better than they had been under the Spanish, and a growing part of the population became dissatisfied with the situation. In response, Juan Pablo Duarte, together with fellow patriots Juan Isidro Perez, Pedro Alejandro Pina, Jacinto de la Concha, Felix Maria Ruiz, Jose Maria Serra, Benito Gonzalez, Felipe Alfau and Juan Nepomuceno Ravelo, formed a secret society called La Trinitaria on July 16, 1838, aimed at undermining Haitian rule on the island. Duarte also founded La Filantropica, a more visible organization, which spread its separatist ideas by staging theatrical events. Unfortunately for the revolutionary movement and for Duarte, he was forced into exile in August 1843 as a result of his dissident activities. But La Trinitaria’s other members continued the fight in Duarte’s absence. One of them was Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, who corresponded with Duarte during the latter’s exile in Venezuela, and Ramon Matias Mella, who along with Duarte and Sanchez became known as the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic On January 16, 1844 La Trinitaria’s manifesto in favor of independence was released, and the fight for independence began to gain the necessary momentum. On the heels of La Trinitaria’s work, and after many battles and much bloodshed, the Dominican Republic was born on February
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