The 1965 Military Coup in the Dominican Republic

Name: The 1965 Military Coup in the Dominican Republic
Start: 1915-04-24
Location: Unspecified

The Rise of Donald Reid Cabral

In 1965, the Dominican Republic experienced a significant turning point in its history with the military coup led by Donald Reid Cabral. This coup was catalyzed by the political confusion following the assassination of the nation's dictator, Rafael Trujillo, in 1961, which left a power vacuum and instability in the country.

Donald Reid Cabral: The Coup Leader

Donald Reid Cabral, born in the capital city of Santo Domingo, was a military officer with a vision to restore order amidst chaos. His coup on September 3, 1965, aimed to take control over a country rife with political strife and unrest. Reid Cabral quickly established a military government, cracking down on dissent and attempting to stabilize the nation.

The Impact of Reid Cabral's Leadership

Reid Cabral's leadership was marked by a struggle to gain legitimacy. He faced both national and international opposition, particularly from leftist factions who had risen during Trujillo's regime. This opposition would spark further unrest and showcased the complexities of Dominican politics during this tumultuous period.

International Attention and Intervention

The coup under Reid Cabral drew significant international scrutiny, especially from the United States, which was wary of the rising tide of communism in Latin America. In April 1965, facing the threat of insurgent forces, the U.S. intervened militarily under the pretext of protecting American citizens and preventing a communist takeover.

The U.S. Military Intervention

The American military intervention profoundly affected the political landscape of the Dominican Republic. This intervention not only led to the stabilization of Reid Cabral's government temporarily but also brought about a shifting perspective on American foreign policy in Latin America.

The Aftermath of the Coup

Though Reid Cabral's regime was initially supported due to military strength, corruption and repression soon led to his downfall. The eventual restoration of democracy in 1966 paved the way for new leadership, but the scars of this coup and the subsequent U.S. involvement would last for decades.

Fun Fact

Did You Know? About the 1965 Coup

The 1965 military coup in the Dominican Republic was one of the earliest instances where the U.S. intervened openly in Latin American affairs, a practice that would continue throughout the Cold War era.