The Dominican Republic declared independence in 1844, establishing the First Dominican Republic after years of Haitian annexation and Spanish colonial rule.
Key Facts
- Independence declared
- 1844, establishing First Dominican Republic
- Haitian annexation period
- 1822 to 1844
- Presidents between 1844–1914
- 53 individuals, only 3 completed terms
- Constitutions adopted by 1914
- 19 constitutions adopted
- Trujillo dictatorship
- 1930 to 1961
- Spanish reannexation
- 1861 to 1865
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After centuries of Spanish colonial rule interrupted by French control and a brief independent state in 1821, the eastern portion of Hispaniola was annexed by Haiti from 1822 to 1844. Haitian rule, combined with longstanding ethnic, cultural, and political tensions, fueled a Dominican independence movement seeking to establish a separate national identity.
In 1844, Dominican revolutionaries declared independence from Haiti, founding the First Dominican Republic. The new state faced immediate instability, characterized by caudillo rule, frequent leadership changes, military coups, and conflicts with neighboring and European powers throughout the 19th century, including a period of Spanish reannexation from 1861 to 1865.
Independence initiated a prolonged era of political turbulence in which 53 presidents held office between 1844 and 1914, 19 constitutions were adopted, and three presidents were assassinated. The 20th century brought dictatorship under Trujillo, U.S. occupations, and civil conflict before the country gradually transitioned toward competitive democratic elections in the late 20th century.