The period from 1938 to 1994 in the Dominican Republic was a time marked by political turmoil, initiated by the oppressive regime of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. His dictatorship cast a long shadow over the nation, resulting in fear, brutality, and significant socio-political changes. Despite his assassination in 1961, the effects of his rule and the subsequent struggle for political reform lingered for decades.

The Rise and Reign of Trujillo

Rafael Leónidas Trujillo began his ascent to power after being trained by American military forces, which had occupied the Dominican Republic from 1916 to 1924. By 1930, he used his position in the military to orchestrate a coup, seizing control and becoming president. His election was marred by violence; his supporters inflicted terror on political opponents, ensuring his unchallenged rise to leadership. Trujillo maintained his grip on power by creating a secret police force, establishing a network of spies, and controlling the press and education systems. His regime was marked by repression and fear, highlighted by the 1937 massacre of thousands of Haitian citizens living and working in the Dominican Republic.

Trujillo's influence permeated every aspect of Dominican life. The capital was renamed Ciudad Trujillo, and citizens were compelled to display his portrait in their homes, often with the chilling inscription, "In this house, Trujillo is Chief." Such omnipresent control fostered an environment where Dominicans lived in constant fear of reprisal, censoring themselves to avoid the dictator's wrath. As Alvarez notes in "Genetics of Justice," the dictator had "planted a little piece of himself in every one of us," reflecting his pervasive psychological impact on the nation.

Resistance and the Path to Justice

Despite Trujillo's authoritarian grip, resistance simmered beneath the surface. The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of underground movements dedicated to ending his brutal regime. One notable attempt to overthrow Trujillo occurred on June 14, 1959, when exiled Dominicans tried to invade the country. Though unsuccessful, this attempt inspired the Fourteenth of June Movement, which included members like the Mirabal sisters and Alvarez's own family. Their plans to assassinate Trujillo in 1960 were thwarted, resulting in imprisonment, torture, and death for many involved.

International pressure on Trujillo increased as his regime drew criticism from figures like the Catholic Church, which openly opposed him by 1960. The United States grew concerned about potential communist uprisings, particularly after Castro's rise in Cuba, and feared Trujillo's actions could instigate similar movements. Trujillo's attempt to assassinate Venezuelan President Rómulo Betancourt further alienated him on the global stage and contributed to his demise. On May 30, 1961, former allies turned assassins brought an end to his rule in what is now celebrated as a "bringing of justice," or "ajusticiamiento."

The Troubled Post-Trujillo Era

The fall of Trujillo did not immediately bring stability to the Dominican Republic. The years following his assassination were marked by political corruption and unrest. Juan Bosch, elected president in 1962, faced opposition from both the Dominican military and the United States, resulting in his ouster after only a few months. The ensuing period was characterized by rigged elections and civil conflicts. In 1965, U.S. Marines intervened, and by 1966, Joaquín Balaguer, a former Trujillo ally, was re-elected under questionable circumstances. Despite Balaguer's long tenure, which lasted into the 1990s, genuine political and economic reform remained a distant goal.

Dominican Culture and Economic Challenges

The cultural landscape in which the Mirabal sisters lived was shaped by both Trujillo's influence and traditional societal norms. As a predominantly Catholic nation, religious beliefs heavily influenced daily life. Gender roles were also clearly defined, with an emphasis on male "macho" behavior and expectations that women primarily fulfill domestic roles. The Mirabal sisters challenged these norms, representing a break from traditional gender constraints. Although women began attending universities and entering professional fields in the mid-20th century, societal pressures to marry and have children persisted.

Economically, the Dominican Republic faced challenges related to its reliance on agricultural exports like sugar, coffee, cocoa, and tobacco. Fluctuations in commodity prices often led to instability. In the 1980s and 1990s, tourism began to play a more critical economic role, becoming second only to agriculture in revenue generation. This shift marked a turning point, with the country increasingly viewed as the "playground of the Caribbean," as noted by Dedé in the novel.

Alvarez's Reflections and the Human Experience

In the Time of the Butterflies offers a fictionalized account of four young women growing up under Trujillo's regime, capturing the pervasive fear and anxiety of the era. The novel explores profound themes of human rights, freedom, and gender equality. Through the character of Violeta, Alvarez poignantly reminds readers of the danger of complacency: "May I never experience all that it is possible to get used to." This reflects Alvarez's own experience of grappling with identity as a Dominican-American, a theme she explores in her writing.

Trujillo's regime, supported by the American government due to his anti-Communist stance, exemplifies the complex interplay of international politics and human rights. Despite his brutal rule, the United States often prioritized strategic interests, such as protecting the Panama Canal, over condemning his human rights abuses. This compromise allowed Trujillo to maintain power, despite the widespread atrocities committed under his command.

Charles D. McIntosh, who lived in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo's rule, painted a vivid picture of life under the dictatorship. His recollections underscore the oppressive environment, where a comprehensive spy network ensured that dissent was swiftly and brutally punished. The systematic repression extended to trivial matters—"anyone caught stealing, begging, or engaging in prostitution simply disappeared." McIntosh's experience as a foreigner in a totalitarian regime highlights the suffocating pressure of living under constant surveillance, a sentiment echoed by the native population's even harsher reality.

Ultimately, the Mirabal sisters' legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Their courageous efforts against Trujillo culminated in sacrifice, but also played a role in galvanizing change. Alvarez notes in her postscript, "November 25th, the day of their murder, is observed in many Latin American countries as the International Day Against Violence Toward Women." These women fought not only a physical tyrant but also served as models for battling injustices of all kinds, reinforcing the universal struggle for justice and freedom.

• 1960: Trujillo governs the nation with an iron fist. There are no opposition parties, and no legitimate elections take place. Joaquín Balaguer serves as Trujillo's puppet president.
• 1996: Balaguer relinquishes the presidency after terms from 1966 to 1978 and 1986 to 1996, marked by fraudulent elections. Leonel Fernandez Reyna becomes the new president, elected with Balaguer's endorsement. The election is deemed fair. Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal, Dedé Mirabal's son, is the vice-president. Nelson Gonzalez Mirabal, Patria Mirabal's son, serves as the vice-president's chief aide. Minerva Mirabal's daughter, Minou Tavares Mirabal, holds the position of deputy foreign minister.
• 1960: A 137-foot obelisk is erected in Ciudad Trujillo by the dictator to honor himself.
• 1999: The obelisk, now located in the renamed Santo Domingo, is decorated with a mural of the four Mirabal sisters. It stands as a tribute to all who fought for freedom in the country.
• 1960: On November 25, Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal are assassinated under Trujillo's orders.
• 1999: November 25 is declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in memory of the Mirabal sisters.