Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the largest city, and currently the capital city of the Dominican Republic. It was founded in the year 1492 by Bartholomew Columbus, and has been the longest settlement of European people in America. The city has changed hands over time for quite a number of times. Through history, the city has been controlled by the French, Spanish and the rebellious Haitian slaves, before attaining its independence in the year 1844. It serves at the seat of the government, with all the main services and operations being located there. This information was obtained through reading various articles about the city, which has an important place in both the Caribbean and the entire world in general. A majority of city planners who build modern cities have used its initial setup. On its establishment, the city became the site for the first hospital, cathedral, convents and a university for the American people. It was also used as a center for trade with the neighboring coasts due to its strategic location.
This week’s reading has helped me gain more knowledge about the Santo Domingo city. It reveals the long history it has had, in addition to the challenges it has encountered. It is evident that this city has played an important role in stamping its place in the new world. The city was used as a stopping point for Spanish ships during trade. It also formed a very strategic avenue for travel and communications with other coasts and islands within the Caribbean.
Part 2
Santo Domingo has come a long way as a city to where it is today. On its journey, it has suffered several challenges and other serious issues that greatly threatened its existence. Chief among these is the issue of slavery. The city has actively participated in the slave trade, which included the purchase and sale of slaves. However, a larger part of its involvement was the sale of slaves to other islands and other coastal cities. During Toussaint Louverture’s invasion in 1801, he declared slavery abolished. However, this did not materialize until the year 1822, when slavery was fully abolished, with around 24,000 freed.
The city also faced poverty and neglect that has manifested in the social devastation experienced. There was a lot of hunger, diseases and many people perished as a result. These occurrences were very critical and as such demanded for immediate action. On the positive side, the Santo Domingo city was involved in trade with their Spanish counterparts as well as with Haiti. The land was good in the production of beef which was supplied even to the British markets. However, issues such as racism threatened the development of this trade.
Politically, Santo Domingo has had a long history. It has been a victim of political revolutions that were orchestrated to liberate it and its people. It has also played a key role in assisting neighboring towns and states in fighting their enemies. It responded to the call to support the Haiti government against the French political aggression.
According to the text, the authorities were very ruthless in dealing with the conspirators of the Italian revolution. This included hanging them and displaying their dead bodies to the public, as well as putting their heads on spikes along the road. While this might be viewed as justice taking its course, the main aim was to warn and instill fear among the public. In your opinion, is there any justification in the way the conspirators were dealt with? Could there been another better way to punish them? And if that is the case, why was the alternative not used?
