The civil war in the Dominican Republic erupted when Colonel Francisco Caamaño orchestrated a coup against the ruling triumvirate, which had been in control since the 1963 coup against President Juan Bosch. This triumvirate was composed of military leaders who aimed to establish a stable government following Bosch's ousting, but their rule was increasingly viewed as oppressive and dictatorial. The discontent among the populace and factions within the military reached a boiling point, culminating in Caamaño's decisive action to overthrow the regime. The coup initiated a violent struggle characterized by deep ideological divides, primarily between those who supported the restoration of Bosch and those who endorsed the existing military leadership.

In the aftermath, the Dominican Republic became a battleground for various factions, with Caamaño aligning himself with pro-Bosch forces who sought to reinstate a democratic government. The civil war drew the attention of international powers, including the United States, who were concerned about the potential spread of communism in the region, leading to increased military intervention. As the violence escalated, the U.S. staged a military intervention in 1965, casting a shadow over the ongoing conflict and restricting the local population's ability to seek self-determination, further complicating the political landscape.

The civil war prompted significant social upheaval, revealing deep-seated divisions in Dominican society and challenging the existing power structures. The conflict lasted several months, causing extensive destruction and loss of life, before ultimately leading to a new government, albeit one heavily influenced by foreign powers and military presence. The legacy of this civil war would resonate in Dominican politics for years to come.