On this day in 1916, the first U.S. invasion of the Dominican Republic began when Marines landed in Santo Domingo. U.S. forces withdrew in 1924 on condition that the U.S. government could manage subsequent elections in the country.

The marines arrived with the goal of offering protection to the U.S. Legation and the U.S. Consulate, and to occupy the Fort San Geronimo. Within hours, these two companies were reinforced with seven additional companies.

Two days later, the President of the Dominican Republic, Juan Isidro Jimenes, resigned. The U.S. took control of the country and began imposing military rule on November 29th, 1916.

A guerrilla movement, known as the "gavilleros", with leaders such as General Ramón Natera, enjoyed considerable support from the population in the eastern provinces of El Seibo and San Pedro de Macorís. Having knowledge of the local terrain, they fought against the occupation from 1917 to 1921.

Dominican control of the island returned in 1924, when the U.S. government agreed to withdraw on condition of holding elections with American oversight and the acceptance of American officers into the Dominican National Guard.

Soon after, dictator Rafael Trujillo would begin his first eight year reign over the country, waging a brutal and violent suppression of the domestic population and promoting a form of prejudice against Haitians known as "Antihaitianismo".