HISTORIC TIMELINE

1492Discovery of Hispaniola

Christopher Columbus claimed Hispaniola for Castile on his first voyage.

1697Treaty of Ryswick

Spain recognized French dominion over the western part of Hispaniola.

1804Haiti's Independence

The western part of Hispaniola became the independent First Empire of Haiti.

1821First Declaration of Independence

Dominicans declared independence from Spain but were later annexed by Haiti.

1844Dominican War of Independence

Dominican Republic achieved independence after fighting against Haiti.

1863Dominican Restoration War

Restoration War led to the permanent ousting of Spanish colonial rule.

1930Trujillo's Dictatorship Begins

Rafael Trujillo established his dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.

1961Assassination of Trujillo

Rafael Trujillo was assassinated, ending his long-term dictatorship.

1962Juan Bosch Elected President

Juan Bosch was elected as president of the Dominican Republic.

1963Bosch's Overthrow

Juan Bosch was deposed in a military coup.

1965Dominican Civil War

The civil war led to the installation of authoritarian rule in the country.

1966Balaguer's Rule Begins

Joaquín Balaguer began his dictatorship that lasted until 1978.

1978Shift to Democracy

Dominican Republic began its transition towards a representative democracy.