Santo Domingo: A Country with a Future

"Santo Domingo: A Country with a Future" by Otto Schoenrich is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the complex history of the Dominican Republic, particularly focusing on its political, social, and economic conditions from the time of Columbus's discovery through the American occupation. Schoenrich aims to fill a gap in the literary resources concerning the Dominican Republic, which he views as a nation on the brink of significant transformation. The opening of the book begins with a preface that outlines the author's motivations for writing the text, citing the lack of comprehensive literature available in English about Santo Domingo. He discusses the historical challenges in gathering precise information and sets the scene for a detailed exploration of the country's legacy, from the indigenous Arawaks through the harsh realities of Spanish colonialism and into the present-day implications of American governance. Schoenrich’s personal experiences in the region, along with references to various historical documents and scholarly works, provide a foundation for the rich historical narrative that follows, promising readers a thorough understanding of the Dominican Republic's path toward modernization and self-determination.