Haitian Independence: 1804-1805

Upon declaring independence, Haiti claimed a singular place in world history. The Haitian revolution, lasting from 1791 to 1804, culminated in the first independent nation in the Caribbean, the second democracy in the western hemisphere, and the first Black republic in the world.

Since the revolution, over 200 years ago, Haiti has struggled with external and internal dilemmas. The revolutionary wars had destroyed nearly all of the country’s colonial infrastructure and production capabilities. In the 1800s, Europeans and Americans ostracized the fledgling nation politically and economically. This, coupled with France's required reparation payments, contributed to Haiti’s decline from one of the world’s wealthiest colonies to one of its most impoverished countries. 

The 20th century ushered in an era of American occupation from 1915 to 1934 and totalitarian regimes under the Duvaliers from 1957 to 1987. After decades of political suppression, Haiti held new democratic elections and in 1991 President Jean-Bertrand Aristide took office. He was ousted just months later, and the following years were filled with coups d’état, military regimes, and daily violence.

Throughout this period, Haiti has been commonly misrepresented, often to the benefit of France and the United States. American media, for example, have equated Haitians with savage voodoo ceremonies, HIV/AIDS, and “boat people” refugees beginning in the early 1900s.

In 2006, René Préval was elected president and Haiti experienced a period of relative political and social calm. This stability was shaken in 2008 when Haiti was hit by four successive hurricanes over the course of just weeks. The natural disasters resulted in hundreds of deaths, injuries and lost homes. Famine and disease swept the country, exacerbated by Haiti’s lack of infrastructure or governmental services.

In 2010, Haiti was struck by a large earthquake. The true death toll is unknown, but it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people may have lost their lives. Countless more Haitians have suffered and died due to a long list of misconduct by international and governmental actors. In 2010, UN peacekeeping forces (MINUSTAH) introduced cholera to some of the country's largest water sources, sparking a devastating outbreak. MINUSTAH forces also sexually abused and exploited local Haitians and the mission remains controversial. 

Throughout the post-earthquake period, a large international NGO response dominated much of Haiti, particularly Port-au-Prince, often with adverse consequences. The Red Cross infamously raised $500 million from donors, for instance, and could only account for six homes from the funds. More recently, in just the past year, Haiti has suffered from additional natural disasters, the assassination of acting president Jovenel Moïse, and widespread collapse of the country's economy and government.

Anyone who has firsthand knowledge of Haiti is often asked why the country seems so incapable of extracting itself from extreme poverty and instability. I challenge you to reframe this question and instead ask who has benefitted from Haiti's suffering. It cannot be emphasized enough how much Haiti has been manipulated throughout history to benefit foreign powers, from slave owners to bankers. This does not excuse governmental corruption and economic oligarchy, but it provides necessary context. To reduce Haiti down to the tired label of "the poorest country in the Western hemisphere" disregards the complexity and richness of Haiti’s culture, history and people. Haiti is an exceptional nation with a singular place in world history, and it has had a profound impact on the world.

Kona Shen, July 2022