History of Haiti

The terrible earthquake in Haiti this week has brought world attention onto this desperate country. This BBC article explains some of its history and in particular its relationship with the United States. Haiti declared independence from France in 1804, led by a freed slave, Toussiant Louverture. Its proximity to the American south meant that relations were always likely to be difficult during the 19th Century, and in 1915 the USA took direct control of the country after the assassination of its president. It withdrew in 1934 but continued to intervene militarily for the next 70 years, most recently following the uprising against President Aristide when the UN mission was established to assist in running the country.