The Dominican Republic

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The United States Occupation of the Dominican Republic
After the Spanish American War in 1898, it was common for the United States to intervene into the Carribean as part of their expansion. After the Panama Canal was complete in 1904 the United States drew its attention even further towards Central America and the Caribbean. The Panama Canal was essential for the United States to because it created a passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Therefore, the United States felt that it was important to take note of what was happening in nearby countries and intervene. As the United States kept a watchful eye from a distance, they noticed that the Dominican Republic was experiencing political and economic turmoil. The United States would then find it necessary to enter and occupy the Dominican Republic in 1916 to improve the state of the country.
There are several reasons and events that sparked the United States occupation in the Dominican Republic. In 1844, the Dominican Republic was able to break away from Haiti and become a country. Juan Pablo Duarte, a liberal thinker, was able spark the independence movement. However, it was a military dictator, Pedro Santana, who finished the task. Despite becoming its own country, the Dominican Republic was still struggling. The Dominican Republic was lacking leadership. During the time from 1844 to 1916, the Dominican Republic experienced over 50 presidents and had developed 19 different constitutions. The people were constantly experiencing changes in leadership and government, which made them unsatisfied. The country was dealing with instability. The people decided to throw rebellions and start revolutions; in order to do so, that cost money. The constant rebellions and revolutions...

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...he returned home to run his business and retired from politics.
On March 15, 1944 elections were held for president. The candidates were Horacio Vasquez and Francisco J. Peynado. Vasquez had previously served as the provisional president in 1986 and in 1902 to 1903, however, he retired when the United States entered the Dominican Republic. Vasquez became a national leader after he led a revolt against Eladio Victoria. He was not able to put an end to Victoria but this made him popular as a national leader. Peynado was known for his involvement in the Huges-Peynado agreement. It was his signature the allowed for the Dominican Republic to gain back its sovereignty. Yet, in the election it was Vasquez who won the election. On July 13, Vasquez was inaugurated into office. Vasquez served as president from 1924 until General Rafael Trujillo forced him into exile in 1930.

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