Haitian History and the French Debt

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the history of Haiti as one of exploitation which continues on into modern times. The paper looks at Haiti's relationship with the United States and especially France. Haiti's French debt is specifically focused on in the paper and the enormous amount that Haiti is expected to pay to France is discussed. The paper notes that this debt will likely keep Haiti in perpetual debt and will impact its economic and social situation.

Table of Contents:
The Contemporary Situation of Haiti
The Reign of Duvalier
The Role of Aristide
The Economic and Social Implications
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The history of Haiti is one of exploitation which continues on into modern times. First the French would utilize their population for slavery, after which time, upon their independence, demanded of them an amount of money impossible to ever be repaid, placing them in perpetual debt. The United States in collusion with France has blocked international assistance to the duly elected government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide while demanding repayments on debt incurred by past dictator regimes it knew the government couldn't pay. At the same time, the United States and France funded a wide range of antigovernment organizations in the name of promoting democracy. (McCollester 27) Given that the more powerful countries of the world seem to have an interest in keeping Haiti down, it's rising from within the depths of such an economic downturn and period of social upheaval is unlikely. This instability is sure to produce merely more revolutions, as foreign powers attempt to govern a country in such a was as is profitable to them, as opposed to allowing the natives of the country the freedom to govern and decide for themselves, which the very foreign powers acting upon them guarantee of their own citizens."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brown, Gordon S. "Revolution in 3 Acts." Chronicle of Higher Education. 51.33, p. B4.
• Farmer, Paul. "What Happened in Haiti? Where Past is Present." Retrieved on 19 February 2008, from: http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Haiti/WhatHappened_Farmer_GHRTT.html
• "Synopsis of Haitian History." Discover: History. Retrieved on 19 February 2008 from:
• Hulsman, John C.; Debat, Alexis Y. "In Praise of Warlords." National Interest. 2006.84, pp. 50-57.
• McCollester, Charles. "Haiti Matters!" Monthly Review: An Independent Socialist Magazine. 56.4, pp. 0-46.

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