Another thing I thought about. After having freed ourselves from the Haitians in 1844, we returned (although temporarily) to Spanish dominance from 1861 to 1865, during a period known as España Boba. At that time, we again declared ourselves independent. So if we are to consider 1844 as a genuine independence day, we would also have to equally validate that day in 1865 when we severed ties with Spain (for the second time). Since that was the latest severance of ties with any foreign state, technically then, that should be our independence. That day in 1865.
That doesn't seem too practical though because the initial declaration in 1821 was one internally conceptualized and implemented by the locals. Haití Español existed a mere six or seven months; but it existed. A formal petition was made, in writing under that name to La Gran Colombia to take our newly created nation under their wing. The Haitian Occupation was just that - an occupation. Our subsequent re-annexation to Spain was not fully supported by the Dominicans, but rather an initiative of Gral. Pedro Santana.
|