Clarify where and what the Caribbean is. Explain that the Caribbean is made up of island nations. Use a map to point out which countries are close to Hispaniola.
Explain that the island of Hispaniola was occupied by native peoples, the Taino, before European explorers arrived. Explore the fact that, before the settlers came to the island, the indigenous population had a society that was organized and divided into chiefdoms.
Talk about Christopher Columbus's discovery of Hispanola. Describe how Columbus gave the island the name of Española and how he established the colony of La Navidad. Discuss how he founded the colony La Isabella after the inhabitants of La Navidad were murdered by the locals.
Speak about French King Louis XIV's official acknowledgment of the French colonies in Hispaniola in 1655. The colony was called Saint-Domingue. Explain that the French and the Spanish fought for control of Hispaniola for many years after this acknowledgment.
Discuss the Haitian Revolt, which led to Haiti becoming independent in 1804. Explain that, after winning their independence, the people of Haiti decided to get rid of the French name of Saint-Domingue and restore the original Taino name, Haiti. Talk about Haiti's first president, Jean-Pierre Boyer.
Analyze the Dominican Republic's declaration of Independence from Spain in 1822 and the subsequent Haitian invasion. Examine the fact that Haiti owned the whole island of Hispaniola for 22 years.
Evaluate the Dominican Republic revolt against Haitian rule in 1844. Explain how this rebellion enabled the Dominican Republic to control two thirds of Hispaniola.
Explore the reasons why Pedro Santana, the leader of the Dominican Republic, wanted to return the country to Spanish colonialism. Assess how the agreement to let Spain once again rule the country resulted in the Restoration War of 1863-1865.
Speak about the American occupation of Haiti for 19 years (1915-1934), as well as the U.S. threat to occupy the Dominican Republic. Explore the Dominican Republic murder of Haitians in 1937. Look at the reasons why President Trujillo ordered the attack.
Appraise the current situation of Hispaniola. Look at the stability of the governments of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Discuss how the earthquake of January 2010 has affected the island. Look at the reasons why Haiti is considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and the Dominican Republic is not.
