United States occupation of the Dominican Republic: American troops land in the Dominican Republic to "forestall establishment of a Communist dictatorship" and to evacuate U.S. Army troops.

The Dominican Civil War, known in Spanish as Guerra Civil Dominicana, marked a tumultuous and pivotal period in the history of the Dominican Republic. This intense conflict primarily unfolded within the capital city of Santo Domingo, gripping the nation from April 24, 1965, until September 3, 1965. It represented a deep division within Dominican society and its military, ultimately drawing significant international attention and intervention.

The Seeds of Conflict: A Nation Divided

The immediate spark for the 1965 civil war was the ousting of the militarily-installed president, Donald Reid Cabral. However, the roots of the conflict ran deeper, tracing back to the overthrow of the democratically-elected president, Juan Bosch, in September 1963. Bosch, a revered intellectual and progressive leader, had won the country's first free elections in nearly four decades in 1962, following the assassination of dictator Rafael Trujillo. His brief seven-month presidency was cut short by a military coup, primarily due to concerns among conservative elements of the military and economic elite about his liberal reforms and perceived leniency towards communists.

After Bosch's removal, a civilian triumvirate briefly held power, which was then consolidated under Donald Reid Cabral. Many Dominicans, particularly a broad coalition of civilians, young military officers, and left-leaning groups, deeply resented Bosch's overthrow and the erosion of constitutional order. These "constitutionalists" yearned for a return to democratic governance and the reinstatement of the 1963 constitution, which was widely seen as progressive.

The Uprising and Escalation of Hostilities

On April 24, 1965, a coalition of pro-Bosch civilian and military supporters launched a daring uprising aimed at restoring constitutional rule and bringing Juan Bosch back to power. They swiftly removed Donald Reid Cabral from office, triggering a rapid escalation of violence. This audacious move, however, was met with fierce resistance from other elements of the Dominican military. General Elías Wessin y Wessin, a staunch conservative and prominent figure in the 1963 coup against Bosch, quickly organized forces loyal to the deposed Reid Cabral, dubbing them the "loyalists." These loyalists initiated an armed campaign against the "constitutionalist" rebels, viewing them as a threat to order and stability, and often associating them with communist sympathies.

As fighting intensified, the constitutionalists, recognizing the need to bolster their ranks against the better-equipped loyalist military, began distributing weapons. Thousands of Cristóbal carbines and machine guns were passed out to civilian sympathizers and adherents, transforming the streets of Santo Domingo into a brutal urban battlefield. The conflict quickly became a bloody struggle, marked by intense street-to-street fighting and significant civilian involvement.

International Intervention: Operation Power Pack

Amidst the escalating chaos, and as the constitutionalist forces gained ground, a critical turning point arrived with international intervention. Allegations, primarily from the loyalist faction and then echoed by the United States, claimed that foreign communist elements were supporting the rebels and attempting to seize control. This narrative resonated strongly within the Cold War context, where the U.S. government was acutely sensitive to the possibility of "another Cuba" in the Caribbean. Fearful of a communist takeover, the United States launched Operation Power Pack on April 28, 1965, deploying U.S. Marines and later Army paratroopers to the Dominican Republic. The stated initial objective was to protect American citizens, but it quickly evolved into a larger intervention aimed at preventing a perceived communist victory.

The U.S. intervention soon transitioned into a broader, multinational effort under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS). The OAS formed the Inter-American Peace Force (IAPF), a multinational contingent that included troops from Brazil, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras, alongside the American forces. The IAPF's mandate was to establish a ceasefire, restore order, and facilitate a political resolution, essentially occupying the country to stabilize it.

Aftermath and The Path to Resolution

The presence of the Inter-American Peace Force ultimately helped to quell the intense fighting and created a more stable environment. Negotiations followed, leading to the establishment of a provisional government tasked with organizing new elections. In June 1966, under the watchful eyes of international observers, presidential elections were held. Joaquín Balaguer, a political figure with a long history in Dominican politics who had served under Trujillo, emerged victorious, securing the presidential seat. His election marked the formal end of the civil war and ushered in an era known as "The Twelve Years," characterized by his strong-hand rule.

Later in 1966, with Balaguer firmly in power and a degree of stability restored, the foreign troops of the Inter-American Peace Force departed from the country, leaving the Dominican Republic to grapple with the complex legacy of its civil war and the long shadow of international intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the primary cause of the Dominican Civil War?
The primary cause was the desire among "constitutionalist" forces to restore the democratically-elected president Juan Bosch, who had been overthrown in a 1963 military coup, and to reinstate the 1963 constitution. This clashed with the interests of the "loyalist" military faction that supported the existing de facto government.
Who were the key figures involved in the conflict?
Key figures included Juan Bosch (the democratically-elected president whose return was sought), Donald Reid Cabral (the militarily-installed president ousted at the war's start), General Elías Wessin y Wessin (leader of the loyalist military faction), and Joaquín Balaguer (elected president in the aftermath of the war).
Why did the United States intervene in the Dominican Civil War?
The U.S. intervened primarily due to Cold War fears that the "constitutionalist" uprising, with alleged communist support, could lead to another communist state in the Caribbean, similar to Cuba. This intervention was codenamed Operation Power Pack.
What was the Inter-American Peace Force (IAPF)?
The IAPF was a multinational military force created by the Organization of American States (OAS) in response to the Dominican Civil War. It included troops from the United States and several Latin American countries, tasked with establishing a ceasefire, restoring order, and facilitating a political resolution to the conflict.
How long did the Dominican Civil War last?
The active combat phase of the Dominican Civil War lasted from April 24, 1965, to September 3, 1965, though the international military presence continued until later in 1966.
What was the outcome of the war?
The war concluded with a ceasefire enforced by the Inter-American Peace Force, followed by elections in 1966. Joaquín Balaguer was elected president, and foreign troops eventually withdrew, but the conflict left a lasting impact on Dominican politics and society.