The History Of Haiti And Its Path To Independence
Whether it’s because of the sunny weather, pristine beaches, or the thousands of people living in poverty, almost everyone has heard of the small country of Haiti. Haiti is a Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. With a population of around 10. 98 million, Haiti has a vast amount of different personalities roaming its streets. But what we might not know about Haiti, is the the history. On the 5th of December, 1492, the European navigator, Christopher Columbus, landed on an island in the Caribbean. But the land was already inhabited by the Taíno and Arawakan people, who lived together on this relatively small piece of land. Columbus soon claimed the land for Spain and named it La Isla Española ('the Spanish Island'), which was soon Latinized to Hispaniola.
The Island was then split into the countries that we now call Haiti and The Dominican Republic. On 14 August 1791, slaves staged a revolt that began the Haitian Revolution. They torched cities, set fire to plantations, and massacred the white population. The rebellion quickly spread through the entire colony. Not long after, Dutty Boukman, an elderly leader of the revolution, was captured and executed, but the rebellion continued spreading, and Henri Christophe began to climb ranks and gain power. Léger-Félicité Sonthonax was sent to the colony, in 1792, by the French Legislative Assembly. His main job was to keep French control, help stabilize the colony, and enforce social equality. In 1802, Henri Christophe was placed in command of Le Cap. Christophe led the defense a French expeditionary force, under Charles Victor Emmanuel Leclercthem, before setting fire to the town and retreating inland where he directed a guerilla war. Three months later, Christophe agreed to be surrendered to Leclerc if he would maintain his rank and his soldiers would be part of the French army. But the peace did not last, and, after L'Ouverture was deported to France, Christophe rejoined the resistance that Dessalines now led. On January 1, 1804, Haiti gained its independence from France and Dessalines declared himself king. Haiti then became the second oldest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere, only after the United States. Dessalines was assassinated only two years after. And, in 1811, Henri Christophe assumed the title of king. After over 70 different dictators ruled Haiti, US President Woodrow Wilson sent Marines to Haiti, in 1915, to restore order and peace. From then until 1934 the United States occupied the country of Haiti.
Once the USA left Haiti, there was much unrest between the populations destitute, and those who could afford to live comfortably. On March 29, 1987, the government in Haiti was made a semi-presidential republic. A semi-presidential republic is a multiparty system when the President of Haiti is head of state and elected by popular elections. As head of government, the Prime Minister acts and is appointed by the President. He (or she) appoints the Ministers and Secretaries of State and goes before the National Assembly to obtain a vote of confidence for his declaration of general policy. With this new form of government, and the strength of the people Haiti continues on today as a free nation. And, though this land is still in constant turmoil and hardship, many good, and great things have come out the the Haitian borders.
