Dominican Republic regains independence from Spain

Background. Spain reannexed the Dominican Republic in 1861, creating a province governed by Santana. Guerrilla warfare between Dominican nationalists and Spain erupted in 1863 and continued until the restoration of independence in 1865. Anti-Spanish feeling was strongest in the Cibao region, and Spanish forces suffered heavy losses, with 1,000 killed in action and 9,000 dead from disease by March 1864.

Political Shifts. Internal Dominican leadership changed frequently during the war. General Gaspar Polanco was deposed in 1864, followed three months later by General Antonio Pimentel after a failed attack on the Spanish at Monte Cristi. A national convention in February 1865 enacted a new constitution, but the new government exerted little authority over regional guerrilla caudillos, who were largely independent of one another.

Restoration. Queen Isabella II signed the annulment of the annexation on March 3, 1865. This decision was influenced by the inability to extract concessions from disorganized rebels and the end of the American Civil War. Independence was restored, and the last Spanish troops departed by July 1865, marking the end of the reannexation period.