Dominican Republic: History

Spaniards set up the first Spanish colony in the Western hemisphere in Santo Domingo.

The Treaty of Ryswick gives the western part of Hispaniola to France and the eastern part (present-day Dominican Republic) to Spain.

Santo Domingo declares its independence and becomes the Dominican Republic.

President Pedro Santana returns the Dominican Republic to Spanish rule.

The second Dominican Republic is proclaimed, following a revolt and Spain's subsequent withdrawal from the island. 

The Dominican Republic and the United States sign a 50-year treaty, in which the U.S. takes over the republic's customs department in return for purchasing its debts.

U.S. forces withdraw after eight years of U.S. military rule. 

IMF-prescribed austerity measures, including price hikes for basic consumer goods and petrol, lead to widespread riots.

The Dominican Republic officially becomes a member of CAFTA-DR, a trade agreement between the U.S. and five other Central American countries.

Dominican parliament approves bill to grant citizenship to Dominican-born children of immigrants.

Dominican Republic ends diplomatic relations with Taiwan and establishes ties with China instead.