The Divided Island of Hispaniola

In The Caribbean, two nations share a single island, yet their histories, language, economies, and political systems developed along dramatically different paths. Their border is more than a line on a map. It can literally be seen from space. It reflects centuries of colonization, revolution, foreign intervention, and competing national identities that shape both sides in very different ways. Learn more about the island of Hispaniola and how it became divided on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. This episode is sponsored by Square. About twenty five years ago, I had a business that did point of sale transactions. We had to get a cash register, a separate system for credit card transactions, and it was all a real pain. Today, starting a business that accepts payments is much easier largely thanks to Square. You've probably seen Square terminals many times even if you didn't know it. Square brings payments, point of sale, inventory, staffing, online sales together in one place. Easy to use tools help simplify the day to day running of a business. And not only does Square make your business easier to run, but sellers who use Square software see 9% higher sales on average. If you're starting a business or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go-daily. That's square.com/go/daily. Run your business smarter with Square. Get started today. This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile. One of the things I've learned while traveling is that The United States has some of the most expensive mobile plans in the world. Yet there is an extremely simple solution to the problem, Mint Mobile. It works with your current phone and phone number, and you can keep all your contacts. It uses the T Mobile network, which is the fastest mobile network in The United States. You just spend less money because Mint Mobile doesn't have the overhead of other mobile companies. That is why I recommend Mint Mobile. To get your new wireless plan for this $15 a month, go to mintmobile.com/eed. That's mintmobile.com/eed. Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at mintmobile.com/eed. That's it. There's no catch. Upfront payment of $45 for three months, $90 for six months, or a $180 for twelve months plan required. $15 per month equivalent. Taxes and fees extra initial plan term only. Greater than 50 gigabyte may slow when network is busy, includes up to 20 gigabyte hotspot. Capable device required, availability speed, and coverage varies. See mintmobile.com. It is difficult, if not impossible, to conduct long term experiments on large groups of human beings. Not only would it probably be unethical, but it would also be extremely challenging to organize. However, sometimes experiments occur naturally. Two peoples who are culturally or ethnically similar with similar geography might have radically different systems of government. Such natural experiments have occurred in North And South Korea, China and Taiwan, and …