Dominican Republic
Historical Events
1492 - Discovery of Hispaniola
Christopher Columbus claimed Hispaniola for Castile on his first voyage.
1697 - Treaty of Ryswick
Spain recognized French dominion over the western part of Hispaniola.
1804 - Haiti's Independence
The western part of Hispaniola became the independent First Empire of Haiti.
1821 - First Declaration of Independence
Dominicans declared independence from Spain but were later annexed by Haiti.
1844 - Dominican War of Independence
Dominican Republic achieved independence after fighting against Haiti.
1863 - Dominican Restoration War
Restoration War led to the permanent ousting of Spanish colonial rule.
1930 - Trujillo's Dictatorship Begins
Rafael Trujillo established his dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.
1961 - Assassination of Trujillo
Rafael Trujillo was assassinated, ending his long-term dictatorship.
1962 - Juan Bosch Elected President
Juan Bosch was elected as president of the Dominican Republic.
1963 - Bosch's Overthrow
Juan Bosch was deposed in a military coup.
1965 - Dominican Civil War
The civil war led to the installation of authoritarian rule in the country.
1966 - Balaguer's Rule Begins
Joaquín Balaguer began his dictatorship that lasted until 1978.
1978 - Shift to Democracy
Dominican Republic began its transition towards a representative democracy.