The Early History of the Dominican Republic
The historical events of the Dominican Republic date back to the Arawaks, who were the first inhabitants. The Dominican Republic originated from the island of Hispaniola. Later the island was inhabited by the Europeans. San Domingo was founded in 1596, marking the official in-habitation of settlers of Spanish descent.
In the early 1700s the Arawaks were exterminated by diseases and war(Lambert 2012). Also in the 16th century, African slaves were imported by the Spanish. They worked as laborers and not only served the Spaniard elite, but worked on sugar plantations.
In 1697 the Spanish and French signed the Treaty of Ryswick. One third of Hispaniola went to the French and the remainder was titled to the Spanish. In 1844 the Dominican Republic declared independence. The president at that time was Pedro Santana. Later, in 1867, the Guerilla War of Restoration broke out and led to political instability. This was progression for the Dominican Republic however as the Spanish were finally forced to withdraw.
Lambert, Tim. The Early Dominican Republic. 2012. www. localhistories.org/dominican.html
Dominican Republic Settlement on Dipity.