Independence Days

Many colonies of the Americas spent decades striving for independence.  For the Dominican Republic, independence seems to have been a last resort.  Although they were often unhappy with their situation, the people of the Dominican Republic repeatedly tried to be part of another, larger nation rather than go it alone.

This history started in 1821, when residents of the Spanish colony declared themselves the Republic of Spanish Haiti.  Some factions of the newly created country supported union with their Haitian neighbors on the other side of the island.  The newly established government, however, immediately sought to join the Republic of Gran Colombia (modern day Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, roughly).  Despite the difference, both sides seemed to agree that being an independent nation just wasn't for them.

The disagreement was quickly settled a few months later when Haiti simply invaded the nearly defenseless Spanish side, and annexed it.  Although Haiti's administration did end slavery (Haiti was formed by a successful slave revolt, so they weren't too keen on the institution), it also brought a number of harsh restrictions that proved severely unpopular.

In 1844, the Dominicans finally had enough of Haiti's crap, and again declared independence.  Haiti spent the next decade launching a series of invasions to try to re-establish control, but they were repulsed.  However, this constant threat allowed the Dominican rulers to justify dictatorial powers and distract from their terrible mismanagement of the country.  The wars and poor governance left the country strained defensively and economically, and the Dominicans sought the protection of a major power.

After failing to become a protectorate of France, Britain or the US, the president of the republic decided to ask to rejoin Spain, their former colonial overlords, in 1861.  This marks the only time in history that a former colonial nation has voluntarily surrendered their independence and resumed being a colony.  The move quickly proved unpopular with the Dominican populace, and they again rebelled and re-achieved independence in 1865.

Next, in 1869, they petitioned to join the United States, on the premise that the island could be home to former slaves freed during the Civil War, who were still treated poorly in much of the country.  The proposal was strongly supported by President Grant, and the treaty made it all the way to the US Senate before being defeated 28-28 (a two-thirds majority is required).

The country spent the next century or so struggling through coups, economic troubles, civil wars, assassinations and other problems.  They never did manage to become part of another nation, and were forced to go it alone as the independent Dominican Republic.  Surprisingly, Dominican Independence Day is not a day of mourning.