Banana Wars: The American Invasion of the Dominican Republic

The American invasion of the Dominican Republic was the last major event of the Banana Wars. It brought in a massive change within the already struggling nation. With it's political and economic system being largely tied to the whims of the occupying Americans. A power structure would be established.

Read the Sources cited:

The Banana WarsA Captivating Guide to the Interventions of the United States in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean (U.S. Military History)

The Second CenturyU.S.Latin American Relations Since 1889

The Banana WarsUnited States Intervention in the Caribbean, 18981934

The Banana WarsA History of United States Military Intervention in Latin America from the SpanishAmerican War to the Invasion of Panama

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Following the end of the Dominican Civil war in late 1912, the nations government still had a variety of factions established during the Civil War, that worked to undermine each other for presidency. This gridlock continued for years, until in 1914, The US administration under Woodrow Wilson, sent an ultimatum to the island, stating that they are to choose a legitimate president, or have the US install one. A provisional president was chosen, and later the same year, relatively free elections put former president Juan Isidro Jimenes Pereyra back into power. To achieve a more broadly supported government, Jimenes named opposition candidates to his cabinet. But this brought no peace, Former secretary of war, Desiderio Arias, aimed to dipose Jimenes. Against US wishes, Jimenes agreed to resign by the end of May, 1916. His resignation, started the US invasion and occupation of the Republic.

The first landing took place on May 5, 1916, when two companies of marines landed from the USS Prairie at Santo Domingo. Their goal was to offer protection to the U.S. Legation and the U.S. Consulate, and to occupy the Fort San Geronimo. Two days later, President Jimenes resigned, with Arias taking power.

Admiral Caperton's forces occupied Santo Domingo on May 15, 1916. Marines took the key port cities of Puerto Plata and Monte Cristi on June 1, and enforced a blockade.

Two days after the Battle of Guayacanas, on July 3, Marine forces moved to Arias' stronghold in Santiago de los Caballeros. However, A military encounter was avoided when Arias arrived at an agreement to cease resistance. Three days after Arias left the country, the rest of the occupation forces landed and took control of the country within two months, and on November 29th the United States imposed a military government under Captain Harry Shepard Knapp.