La Trinitaria (Dominican Republic) facts for kids
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La Trinitaria was a secret group of young people who helped the Dominican Republic become a free country. It was started by Juan Pablo Duarte in 1838 in Santo Domingo. Their main goal was to end the Haitian occupation of Santo Domingo and make sure their country stayed independent from any foreign control. They played a huge part in the Dominican Republic gaining its freedom in 1844.
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How La Trinitaria Started
La Trinitaria was founded on July 16, 1838. Juan Pablo Duarte and eight other young men met secretly at the home of Juan Isidro Pérez de la Paz. These first members included Juan Isidro Pérez, Pedro Alejandro Pina, Jacinto de la Concha, Félix María Ruiz, José María Serra, Benito González, Felipe Alfau, and Juan Nepomuceno Ravelo. This group also helped create the design for the flag of the Dominican Republic.
Spreading Ideas Through Theater
Duarte and his friends knew they needed to share their ideas with more people. They created two other groups: La Filantrópica and La Dramática. These groups were more open than La Trinitaria. They used theater to spread their message of independence. Duarte had seen how theater was used in Spain to inspire people. He wanted to do the same in the Dominican Republic.
Members of these groups would practice plays in people's homes. Then, they would perform for hundreds of people at "La Carcel Vieja." Today, this building is the Museo de la Catedral. These plays helped ease tension among the people. They also allowed the group to share their revolutionary ideas. For example, during one play, Pérez called for a revolution. The whole crowd cheered and gave a standing ovation.
Unfortunately, Duarte was forced to leave the country in August 1843. This happened because of his activities against the government.
The Fight Continues
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Even with Duarte in exile, La Trinitaria's members kept fighting. Francisco del Rosario Sánchez stayed in touch with Duarte, who was in Venezuela. Matías Ramón Mella also continued the work. These three men—Duarte, Sánchez, and Mella—are known as the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic.
On January 16, 1844, La Trinitaria released its manifesto. This document called for independence. The fight for freedom grew stronger. After many battles, the Dominican Republic became independent on February 27, 1844. They declared their freedom from Haiti at the Puerta del Conde.
La Trinitaria played a big role in forming the new republic. However, their ideas were not fully put into practice. Pedro Santana took control of the new nation and sent Duarte away. Santana later decided to make the country a colony of Spain again. This made the Dominican Republic the only former colony in the Americas to return to being a colony.
Important Members of La Trinitaria
Here are some of the key members of the secret society La Trinitaria:
- Juan Pablo Duarte - (1813–1876) He was a military leader, writer, and politician. He is considered the most important founding father of the Dominican Republic.
- Matías Ramón Mella - (1816–1864) He was a revolutionary, politician, and military general.
- Francisco del Rosario Sánchez - (1817–1861) He was a politician and revolutionary.
- Tomás Bobadilla - (1785–1871) He was a writer, thinker, and politician. He was the first ruler of the Dominican Republic.
- Juan Isidro Pérez - (1817-1868) He was a revolutionary and politician.
- Pedro Alejandro Pina - (1820-1870) He was a military leader and politician.
- Antonio Duvergé - (1807–1855) He was a general and a legendary military figure in Dominican history.
Other Meanings of La Trinitaria
Today, "La Trinitaria" can also refer to the three founding fathers of the Dominican Republic. This use is a play on words. It connects the idea of the Trinity (meaning three in one) with the three main leaders—Duarte, Sánchez, and Mella—who helped create the nation.
See also
In Spanish: La Trinitaria para niños
