Dominican Republic annexation referendum, 1870
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A referendum on annexation by the United States was held in the Dominican Republic on 19 February 1870.[1] The proposal was approved by 99.93% of voters, although turnout was just 30%.[1] However, the United States Senate rejected the annexation on 30 June 1870 with a 28–28 vote.[2]
Background
The Dominican Republic originally became independent from Haiti in 1844.[1] However, in 1861 the country became part of Spain following an inflation crisis.[1] In 1865 the country became independent again following the Restoration War.[1]
By 1870 the country had significant debts caused by the ongoing civil war.[1] President Buenaventura Báez planned on selling the Samaná Peninsula to the United States for $1.1 million, whilst US President Ulysses S. Grant wanted to annex the entire country.[1] A treaty was signed between the two countries on 29 November 1869.[1] The US would purchase the Dominican Republic for $1.5 million and would lease the Samaná Peninsula for $147,229.91 for 99 years.[3]
On 16 February Báez ordered a referendum to be held in the form of a register. Eleven votes against were ordered so as to make the results seem plausible.[4]
Results
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 16,000 | 99.93 |
| Against | 11 | 0.07 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 0 | – |
| Total | 16,011 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 30.00 | |
| Source: Direct Democracy | ||
