In 1916 , Wilson sent troops to occupy the island , and the U.S. soldiers would remain until 1924 .
The Dominican Republic had been a de facto American protectorate since Roosevelt 's presidency , but suffered from instability .
In 1916 , Wilson sent troops to occupy the island , and the American soldiers would remain until 1924 .
The Dominican Republic had been a de facto American protectorate since Roosevelt 's presidency , but suffered from instability .