Paradise lost : Haiti's tumultuous journey from Pearl of the Caribbean to Third World hot spot

Why has Haiti been plagued by so many woes? Why has the United States felt a need to repeatedly intervene in Haiti's affairs? Why have multiple U.S. efforts to create a stable democracy in Haiti failed so spectacularly? Philippe Girard answers these and other questions in Paradise Lost . He examines how colonialism and slavery have left a legacy of racial tension, both within Haiti and internationally, as Haitians remain deeply suspicious of white foreigners' motives, many of whom doubt Haitians' ability to govern themselves. He also examines how Haiti's current political instability is merely a continuation of two hundred years of political strife that began during the War of Independence (1791-1804). Finally, Girard explores poverty's devastating impact on contemporary Haiti. This book is different from others in the field, arguing that Haitians - particularly home-grown dictators - bear a big share of the responsibility for their nation's troubles. In addressing the current situation in Haiti by looking to the nation's tumultuous past, Paradise Lost is timely and potentially controversial. Front Matter....Pages i-x Introduction: Remembrance of Things Past....Pages 1-12 The Pearl of the Antilles: Haiti in Colonial Times (1492–1791)....Pages 13-34 The Slaves Who Defeated Napoléon: The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)....Pages 35-54 Missed Opportunities: Haiti after Independence (1804–1915)....Pages 55-75 Benevolent Imperialism: Haiti during the First U.S. Occupation (1915–1934)....Pages 76-91 Hearts of Darkness: The Duvaliers’ Black Revolution (1957–1986)....Pages 92-109 A Glimmer of Hope: Aristide’s Rise to Power (1988–1991)....Pages 110-127 The Haitian Invasion of the United States: Haitian Boat People (October 1991–October 1993)....Pages 128-144 Invasion on Demand: The Second U.S. Invasion of Haiti (October 1993–October 1994)....Pages 145-155 Gratitude is the Heart’s (Short-Term) Memory: The Second Aristide Presidency (October 1994–February 1996)....Pages 156-169 Divide and Founder: The Préval Presidency (1996–2001)....Pages 170-181 Boss Titid: The Third Aristide Presidency (2001–2004)....Pages 182-199 Conclusion: Is There Any Hope for Haiti?....Pages 200-213 Epilogue: Where Are They Now?....Pages 214-216 Back Matter....Pages 217-230 "In the aftermath of January's horrific earthquake, the world's attention is focused on Haiti. In this full narrative history of the Caribbean nation, historian Philippe Girard offers insight into Haiti's complex and layered past, showing that its current state as the poorest country in the western hemisphere was not inevitable. This highly readable and accessible history takes the reader back two hundred years to a time when Haiti was so prosperous it was known as the Pearl of the Antilles. Haiti was the only country in the Americas to pull off a successful slave revolution, yet today its survival is completely dependent on foreign aid. As all eyes turn to watch what happens to Haiti, author Girard provides the necessary context for envisioning its future--including a detailed account of the quake's consequences, an assessment of the benefit and cost of an American intervention, and commentary on what Haiti must do to rebuild for a brighter future"-- Provided by publisher 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, 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