Haitian History - The Duvalier Years (1934-1991)
When the Americans left in 1934 the country was still in shambles. There was a constant struggle for power between the Catholic Church and the followers of voodoo. The United States fruit companies that settled and developed on lands taken from Haitian peasants were a source of constant tension. Many leaders came and went but no one united or moved the nation forward.
In 1957, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, declared himself "President for
life". Fear ruled the nation under Duvalier and his Tontons Macoutes. Terror
reigned under the police repression of his government. Unfortunately, even
that stable, structured government didn't help the people economically,
educationally or otherwise. With the death of Duvalier, his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier,
came into power. Life under "Baby Doc" was only slightly better
for the Haitian people than before. His rule was tainted with crimes of
repression and a plundering of the riches of the country. Finally, "Baby Doc"
was exiled to France.
Next: Aristide Years