“La revolución de abril de 1965” ¡HISTORIA DOMINICANA!

Understanding the April Revolution

Context of Political Turmoil in the Dominican Republic

• The political landscape in the Dominican Republic during the early 1960s was dominated by Rafael Trujillo, who ruled with an iron fist from the 1930s until his assassination in 1961.

• Trujillo's regime was marked by severe political repression, censorship, and violence against dissenters, alongside rampant corruption and nepotism.

Causes of the April Revolution

• The April Revolution stemmed from a civic-military conspiracy led by figures such as Juan Bosch and Joaquín Balaguer, aiming to restore democracy after Trujillo's dictatorship.

• Juan Bosch, leader of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), briefly served as president following democratic elections in 1962 but was ousted by a military coup in September 1963.

Key Events During the Revolution

• On April 24, 1965, a popular uprising began in Santo Domingo when civilians and constitutionalist military forces united for an armed revolt to reinstate Bosch’s government.

• Armed groups known as "comandos gros" played a crucial role in defending constitutionalism against opposing forces during this period.

U.S. Intervention and Its Impact

• The United States intervened militarily on April 28, 1965, marking its second occupation of the Dominican Republic; this intervention aimed to prevent perceived communist threats and protect U.S. interests.

Legacy of the April Revolution

• The revolution left a lasting legacy on Dominican history, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the struggle for democracy and freedom within the nation.