When Christopher Columbus arrived on the island of Hispaniola in 1492, he found a thriving indigenous population, the Taino people. However, the arrival of Europeans brought devastating consequences for the Taino, including the introduction of diseases to which they had no immunity, such as smallpox and influenza. The Taino population was decimated, and their culture was eventually erased.
Colonial history influences food. Dishes like sancocho (a seven-meat stew) evolved from the fusion of Taíno cassava, Spanish beef, and African root vegetables. Knowing Filiberto Cruz Sánchez’s writings on colonial food systems turns a simple meal into an educational feast.
What I can do:
This textbook, often found in its 6th or 7th edition, is structured into 13 to 15 chapters that meticulously detail the island's evolution.
Filiberto Cruz Sánchez - Academia Dominicana de la Historia
Historia Colonial Dominicana is a masterpiece for anyone wanting to understand the roots of Dominican culture. It is well-written and engaging. While a free PDF is difficult to find legally due to copyright, searching the Internet Archive or looking for a second-hand physical copy is your best bet to enjoy this work without violating copyright laws.
The book delves into the 17th-century period of monopolies and contraband trade , specifically the "Devastations of Osorio" (1605–1606). This era of militarization and ruins paved the way for the formation of the French colony on the western third of the island.