The author has presented a survey of Dominican history, the general facts of which are well known to historians. His chief contribution is a well-considered reevaluation of the moral significance of major Dominican leaders and national trends, for like Herodotus Troncoso Sánchez believes in the “therapeutic value” of history’s lessons, which warn against repeating past errors and may inspire social unity. The short essays included here originated in his writings and lectures, and at their best sensitively deal with Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, Pedro Santana, the varied impacts of European events on Hispaniola from the sixteenth through the nineteenth century, and the restoration of the Republic in 1865.
One finds a tendency toward the great man theory, especially where the author covers the temperament, methods, and achievements of the Founder of Independence (and obviously his hero), Duarte, whose active leadership is stressed over his better-publicized philosophical contributions. One of Troncoso Sánchez’s themes is the evolution of Dominican national identity through patriotic resistance to outside forces in 1808, 1821, 1843-1844, and 1863-1865. As a revisionist, the author modifies earlier scholars’ estimation of the Republic’s pioneers. He softens the charge of villainy against Santana for arranging Spain’s reannexation of Santo Domingo, 1861-1865, and shows that the paternalistic Santana did not seek personal gain, but rather lacked faith in the Dominicans’ ability to defend their land against another belligerent attempt by Haiti to unify Hispaniola and felt that Spanish protection was vital. Since Troncoso Sánchez indicates that Haiti was actually becoming weaker, he makes Santana appear more fool than traitor.
Interestingly, the author explains how the beginnings of Dominican parties and their doctrines emerged from this profound disagreement. Conservatives such as Santana and Buenaventura Baez sought compromising aid from France, Spain, or, later, the United States, while Liberals such as Padre Merino and Gregorio Luperon maintained faith in the nation’s ability to remain free and thus championed complete independence. Later in the nineteenth century authentic principle faded before personalismo and continuismo in the struggles of “Rojo” and “Azul” factions. Corruption often replaced dedication.
Twentieth-century events are more briefly sketched, even those of Trujillo’s long misrule, 1930-1961. Yet in his concluding chapter the author, a firm believer in mankind and democracy, expresses his faith in the Dominican future, based on observations of recent events. He feels that ignorant caudillos will not replace men of intellect, for real issues are now ascendant. This healthy atmosphere will eventually produce a political center strong enough to avoid the disastrous extremes of rightists and leftists. Although he does not elaborate on how this may come about, the noble concept is worthy of considerable study.
Unfortunately for general readers of Latin American history, many unfamiliar names are introduced without proper identification.
