Why has Haiti been plagued by so many woes? Why have multiple U.S. efforts to create a stable democracy in Haiti failed so spectacularly? Philippe Girard answers these and other questions, examining how colonialism and slavery have left a legacy of racial tension, both within Haiti and internationally; Haitians remain deeply suspicious of white foriegners' motives, many of whom doubt Hatians' ability to govern themselves. He also examines how Haiti's current political instability is merely a continuation of political strife that began during the War of Independence (1791-1804). Finally, Haiti: The Tumultuous History, Girard explores poverty's devastating impact on contemporary Haiti and argues that Haitians--particularly home-grown dictators--bear a big share of the responsibility for their nation's troubles.

Autorentext

Philippe Girard is an Assistant Professor of Caribbean History, McNeese State University of Louisiana. He is the author of Haiti.

Inhalt

Introduction The Pearl of the Antilles: Haiti in Colonial Times (1492-1791) Did Haiti Save the United States?: The Haitian Revolution and the Early American Republic (1791-1804) Ideal and Pariah: Haiti after Independence (1804-1915) American Colony: Haiti During the First U.S. Occupation (1915-1934) Under Papa Doc's Spell: Haiti in the Cold War (1957-1986) A Glimmer of Hope: The First Aristide Presidency (1990-1991) The Haitian Invasion of the United States: Haitian Boat People (1991-1994) In Our Backyard: The Second U.S. Invasion of Haiti (1994) Beyond the Mountains, More Mountains: The International Community's Failed Development Program in Haiti (1995-1997) Bayonets Are Made of Steel, Constitutions of Paper: Haiti's Growing Political Instability (1997-2004) Here We Go Again: Aristide Overthrown (2004) Conclusion: Is There Any Hope for Haiti?