<P> Though having vast demographic and cultural differences since colonial times , the inhabitants of modern - day Dominican Republic and Haiti have at times been allies and foes , constantly vying for dominance of Hispaniola . The conflicts began during the colonial era which developed into military and political conflicts between the two governments . The political division of the island of Hispaniola is due in part to the European struggle for control of the New World during the 17th century , when France and Spain began fighting for control of the island . They resolved their dispute in 1697 by splitting the island into two countries . It was not until the 19th century that Haiti became independent from France on January 1 , 1804 . Spanish Haiti , the predecessor of the Dominican Republic , became independent from Spain on December 1 , 1821 , after more than 300 years of Spanish rule . </P>
<P> Though having vast demographic and cultural differences since colonial times , the inhabitants of modern - day Dominican Republic and Haiti have at times been allies and foes , constantly vying for dominance of Hispaniola . The conflicts began during the colonial era which developed into military and political conflicts between the two governments . The political division of the island of Hispaniola is due in part to the European struggle for control of the New World during the 17th century , when France and Spain began fighting for control of the island . They resolved their dispute in 1697 by splitting the island into two countries . It was not until the 19th century that Haiti became independent from France on January 1 , 1804 . Spanish Haiti , the predecessor of the Dominican Republic , became independent from Spain on December 1 , 1821 , after more than 300 years of Spanish rule . </P>
who was there first haiti or dominican republic
who was there first haiti or dominican republic
Haiti
Haiti