As a result of the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697, France took control of what would become Haiti. It took a bloody revolution to overthrow the French colonials. Haiti gained independence in 1804 after several ghastly battles against the French imperialists. France then, amazingly, blackmailed Haiti into paying a vast indemnity for diplomatic recognition.
The U.S., which occupied Haiti from 1915-1934, has continuously supported dictators within Haiti for the sake of stability. These dictators have used the national treasury as their own personal bank account. They've only stepped down when the U.S. has acknowledged that the dictators had to leave.
France's legacy of colonization and the U.S. support of dictators are two important reasons towards explaining Haiti's underdevelopment. Both countries must do everything they can to help the people of Haiti after the disastrous earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation on Tuesday.
It's difficult to find a silver lining in such destruction. But if there is one, it's that Haitians have never relied on the government. Past governments have always been ineffectual at providing even the most basic needs. Not to generalize, but Haitians have always shown a kind of resilience known in few places in the world. They've had to make their own way. The Haitian government and the world have ignored them. Sometimes it takes a horrific tragedy to present an opportunity to correct a historical wrong.
(more at International Edition)
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