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The history of the Dominican Republic
First inhabited about 5,000 years ago by
immigrating Indians, the country of the Dominican Republic has a rather
lengthy history of war and conquest. Shortly after the discovery of the
island by Christopher Columbus, he wrote in his journal of the beauty and
charm of the area and the warmth and generosity which was displayed by the
natives. This kindness was short lived, however, as the exploitation of
the native's wives and daughters by the Spaniards led to the Indians
burning down the first temporary settlement established by the Spaniards
and thus, the history of Dominican Republic conflict began.
Columbus and a few members of his crew had gone back to Spain to report of
the success they had experienced on their voyage. The discovery of gold in
the lush river valleys was of particular interest to Columbus and his
shipmates. Upon returning to the island they were shocked to find that
their settlement had been burned to the ground. Not too discouraged though,
they decided to start a new community on the other side of the shore and
eventually they came to the realization that the native's lack of
technology and formidable weaponry was of no match for their iron weapons.
This realization led to the exploitation of all the natives as they were
forced to work gathering gold for the Spaniards.
The natives toiled for many years as slaves until many of them started
dieing. At this point black people were brought into the area to replace
the natives as the new slaves of the Spaniards. Livestock was introduced
to the area not long after this point and the usual expeditions back and
forth to and from Spain became a constant. The French grew increasingly
jealous of the Spaniards success in the area and as such declared a
conquest on the Spanish settlers, who were in turn overthrown. The new
French colony on the island became one of the wealthiest colonies in the
world as a result. Political upheaval and civil unrest became an everyday
occurrence until the tension in the air was temporarily absolved in 1844
as the eastern side of the island gained independence and the name the
Dominican Republic. Social and political instability still plagued the
area, however, but today democracy is a welcomed beacon of light in the
country.
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