Tension arose on Hispaniola as early as the mid-late 1600s when French pirates settled the western part of the island. Spain already claimed all of Hispaniola, leading to a feud and division of the island. This laid the foundation for the tension between the countries that subsequently became present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Historical events led to Dominicans and Haitians becoming culturally and ethnically different groups. After Haiti established its independence on January 1, 1804, the First Empire of Haiti attempted to gain control of the whole island, which led to a 22-year military occupation of the east (1822-1844) and numerous invasions (1805-1857). Thus since 1804 many wars, border disputes, and stand-offs have occurred between the two countries. Notable events included the Beheadings of Moca in 1805 and the Parsley massacre in 1937. In the 21st century, illegal Haitian immigration into the Dominican Republic keeps tensions high - many Dominicans fear losing their country via ethnic replacement. Many Haitians migrate due to poverty and unrest in their own country. The majority of both Dominicans and Haitians have either negative or neutral views of their neighbors; small numbers have positive views.