José Núñez de Cáceres, a prominent leader and politician, proclaimed the independence of the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo from Spanish rule. This assertion of autonomy was significant as it came at a time when Latin America was experiencing widespread movements for independence from colonial powers, influenced by both the Haitian Revolution and the broader wave of independence that swept across the Americas. Cáceres's proclamation transformed Santo Domingo into the Republic of Spanish Haiti, linking its identity with the nearby nation of Haiti, which had successfully gained its independence from France. This was a bold move as it sought to establish a new national identity distinct from colonial rule.

The independence declaration was met with mixed reactions within the territory, with many supporting the idea of self-governance and others concerned about Haiti's influence, given its recent history of upheaval. Cáceres aimed to stabilize the political landscape, yet the new republic faced challenges, including managing relations with Haiti and addressing internal divisions. The declaration symbolized not just a political move but also an attempt at creating a unified cultural identity in the midst of challenges posed by both external and internal actors.

The Republic of Spanish Haiti's short-lived existence was marked by political instability, which eventually led to its annexation by Haiti under President Jean-Pierre Boyer in 1822. This incorporation caused significant social and economic changes, as Haiti sought to integrate the Dominican territory into its governance structures. Cáceres's declaration of independence was thus a catalyst for further developments in the region’s complex history, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of its people amidst the broader push for sovereignty in the Americas.