The catalyst that helps set off the…

The catalyst that helps set off the Dominican struggle for independence is the overthrow of Boyer in the Haitian Revolution of 1843.

Initially good relations between liberal Haitians and liberal Dominicans in Dominican territory, however, soon grow tense.

General Charles Riviere-Herard successfully cracks down on the Trinitarios, forcing Duarte to flee in August 1843.

However, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, Duarte's brother Vicente, and Ramon Mella help to reestablish the Trinitaria movement.

They plan an independence effort built around arms that a returning Duarte is to bring in late December; however, Duarte fails in his efforts to gain the necessary weapons and is forced to postpone his return home because of a serious illness.

Concurrently, other conspiracies flourish, particularly one seeking to gain the support of France.

When Duarte has not returned by February 1844, the rebels agree to launch their uprising without him.