Dominican Republic's Journey to Democracy

Colombus finds the New World

Dec 1, 1492

Christopher Colombus reaches the western Caribbean islands and finds it as first of the New World.

Dominican Republic

Period: Dec 1, 1492 to Jan 1, 1966

Santo Domingo Founded

Jan 11, 1496

The first city and now capital of Dominican Republic, it was founded in 1496.

Division of Haiti

Dec 11, 1697

France takes the eastern part of Haiti, thus creating the present day division of the island.

France gains control of the country

Dec 11, 1795

Spain cedes the colony to France.

Dominican Republic Declares Independence

Dec 11, 1844

First attempt at independence from the Spanish.

Dominican Republic actually becomes Independent & US opens diplomatic relations

Dec 11, 1884

Dictatorship by Trujillo

Period: Jan 1, 1924 to Dec 11, 1961

Trujillo takes power over the Dominican Republic after another declaration of independence.

Dictatorship by Trujillo

Period: Dec 11, 1924 to Dec 11, 1961

Trujillo takes power after another declaration of independence.

Assassination of Trujillo

May 30, 1961

Civil War breaks out

Dec 11, 1965

Republic Founded

Dec 11, 1966

After conclusion of the civil war the republic was founded. This was mainly due to the US part-invasion and forced change of government in response to onlooking Cold War and the nearby Cuba.