Dominican War of Independence Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0372

Staff Only

Scope and Content

This collection provides the reader with both the Spanish and the revolutionary perspectives regarding the Dominican Republic's independence. The first part of the collection consists of seven manuscripts from Spanish colonial officials in Puerto Rico. The documents include important information on the Dominican Republic's transition as an independent nation. Some of the documents also describe Spanish relations with the French as seen in the translation of the capitulation of the Haitian troops negotiated through the French Consul. The capitulation's articles stated that any property owned by French troops and families in the Spanish part of the island would be protected during the nation's transition. The second part of the collection contains a pamphlet by a Dominican rebel: "El Eco Dominicano." It is the first printed periodical in the Dominican Republic, and it highlights certain details of the Dominican-Haitian War. The pamphlet declares the willingness of the Dominicans to fight and protect their territory.

Dates

Creation: 1844 February 28-August 3

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Dominican Republic was part of the Spanish territory from 1496 to 1821. It was referred to as the colony of Santo Domingo at the time. In 1821, it declared its independence from Spain. This independent status lasted only a few months. Haiti, under French rule, desired a unification of the island of Hispaniola and annexed the eastern part of the island, i.e. the Dominican Republic. Haitian rule was met by much resistance from the Dominican nation, beginning a series of revolutionary efforts towards independence. The documents from this collection are significant because they describe the aftermath of the Dominican Republic's battle for independence. The first document, signed by Spanish colonial officials, is dated February 28, 1844, a day after Dominican rebel forces had taken control of the capital's main fort, and officially declared independence.

Extent

.01 Linear feet (1 folder (8 items))

Language of Materials

Spanish; Castilian

Additional Description

Abstract

An archive of seven Spanish manuscripts and one printed pamphlet by a Dominican rebel concerning the independence of the Dominican Republic from the nation of Haiti.