1867-1868: During the post-war expansionist phase, Secretary Seward pursued the “neutralization” of the island. He attempted

1867-1868: During the post-war expansionist phase, Secretary Seward pursued the “neutralization” of the island. He attempted to negotiate for naval bases with the Cabral government in the Dominican Republic and investigated similar offers from Haiti, though his grand expansionist schemes for coaling stations ultimately failed to gain Congressional support or local ratification.