Haiti Essay

Haiti as a rich history, filled with many peoples’ blood and countless hopes of freedom. With such a rich history, the country has yet to become financially stable because of their past. From the beginning of the French settlement where slaves were brought over from Africa to harvest crops, to the dictatorship of the Duvalier family. Haiti has yet to see a time when they are not in need of help. After the racial caste systems were set in place, many people would not see a truly independent country. When France finally gave independence to Haiti, they did it for a price. After they paid that price, the US occupied them because of their location and many resources. Every year in Haiti’s history as a nation and before has effects on the world today. These effects are not hidden in fine print, but blatantly found within Haiti and those who have been involved with Haiti.

Racial caste systems in Haiti prior to the Revolution were used to classify where everyone fit within their society. Originally there were three classes—the blancs, who were the whites that owned land and slaves; the affranchise, who were freedmen of color who were descendants of slaves and slave owners; and the noir, who were the slaves. This system was a way to keep people in their place, limiting opportunities such as jobs and areas of residence (Smucker, 1989). Before the Revolution, the elite whites—or grands blancs—oversaw the governing of Haiti, the importation of slaves, and the exportation of crops to Europe. The affranchise, otherwise known as gens de couleur, were typically craftsmen or domestic servants due to laws prohibiting this group of people from working in public offices. These laws were placed by the grands blancs because of an increase in populati...

... middle of paper ...

... exiled with the help of US intervention. After Duvalier was exiled, Haiti formed a more stable government and elected new presidents (Abbott, 1988).

In conclusion, the racial caste systems put in place in the 18th century have effects on the world still. Many political leaders in Haiti are black because of the oppression white leaders have imposed on them. While Haiti is waiting for their money back from France, they should have never allowed France to make them pay for their own independence. Though relations between the US and Haiti are well now, the past did provide many dubious situations that still have effects on the relationship now. Although the Duvalier dictatorship only lasted two generations, 39 years total, Francois and Jean-Claude have made major impacts that have allowed Haiti to learn from and move on to become a better and more independent nation.