Everything Everywhere Daily The Dominican Republic
Nov 2, 2025
Explore the vibrant history of the Dominican Republic, from its beautiful landscapes to its tumultuous past. Discover the legacy of the Taino people, the founding of Santo Domingo, and the rise of a Creole society. Delve into the impacts of slavery and disease, the turbulent shifts between French and Spanish control, and the struggle for independence. Learn about Rafael Trujillo's authoritarian regime and how his assassination shaped modern politics. Finally, uncover how this nation transformed into a thriving economy amidst its unique historical challenges.
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Geography Defines More Than Beaches
- The Dominican Republic's geography shapes its economy and climate more than its beach reputation suggests.
- Mountains, fertile valleys, and a high peak create varied climates and concentrated farmland.
Taino Society's Rapid Collapse
- The Taino civilization was widespread and well organized before European contact.
- Disease and forced labor decimated the Taino within decades, erasing much of their culture.
Santo Domingo: First European Base
- Bartholomew Columbus founded Santo Domingo in 1496 as the first permanent European settlement in the New World.
- The colony quickly evolved into a plantation economy reliant on forced indigenous and African labor.