Introduction. Roots and Branches of the Tree of Liberty

A pivotal moment in the history of Santo Domingo, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is illuminated through the symbolic destruction of the Tree of Liberty in 1864. This event marked the collapse of Dominican-Haitian unification and the reimposition of colonial rule, revealing the fragility of anticolonial struggles on Hispaniola. The study employs historical analysis to trace the tree's significance as a symbol of emancipation and independence, contrasting its celebratory origins under Jean-Pierre Boyer's administration with its violent demise amid political upheaval. By examining primary sources and poetic responses, it underscores the enduring impact of colonial power dynamics on Caribbean identity.

(Ed.). (2016). Introduction. Roots and Branches of the Tree of Liberty. We Dream Together, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781478091158-004