haiti History Timeline and Biographies | History Timeline Generator

1492

Arrival of Columbus

Christopher Columbus arrived in what is now Haiti in 1492, claiming the land for Spain. This marked the beginning of European colonization in the region and the beginning of the indigenous Taino people's decline due to disease and exploitation.

1697

Spanish Cession of Western Hispaniola

The Treaty of Ryswick in 1697 formally ceded the western third of Hispaniola to France, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the French colony of Saint-Domingue, which would later become Haiti.

1804

Haiti’s Declaration of Independence

After a successful slave revolt led by figures like Toussaint L'Ouverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haiti declared its independence from France on January 1, 1804, becoming the first independent black republic and second independent nation in the Americas.

1825

Independence Debt to France

Haiti was forced to agree to a crippling indemnity in 1825, where it compensated France for lost property and slaves, which significantly hampered its economic development for generations to come.

1915

U.S. Occupation of Haiti Begins

The United States occupied Haiti in 1915, citing instability and the need to protect American interests. This marked a significant period in Haiti's history, impacting its political and economic landscape until the occupation ended in 1934.

1946

Election of Dumarsais Estimé

Dumarsais Estimé was elected president of Haiti in 1946, becoming an advocate for social and economic reforms while also representing a significant shift toward national governance after years of foreign influence.

1957

Rise of François Duvalier (Papa Doc)

François Duvalier was elected president and later declared himself "President for Life," ushering in a notorious dictatorship characterized by repression, human rights abuses, and the use of the infamous Tonton Macoute militia to maintain control.

1986

Fall of the Duvalier Regime

The dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier (Baby Doc), the son of François Duvalier, was ousted from power in 1986 after a popular uprising, leading to a period of political instability and the hope for democratic reforms in Haiti.

1990

First Democratic Elections

Haiti held its first free elections in 1990, with the election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. However, his presidency was short-lived due to a coup in 1991, leading to years of turmoil and unrest in Haiti.

2004

Aristide’s Ouster and U.N. Intervention

Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted again in 2004, leading to a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti aimed at stabilizing the country amidst violence and political chaos.

2010

2010 Earthquake

A catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, causing widespread destruction and loss of life, further complicating Haiti’s recovery and development efforts in the wake of previous political issues and economic struggles.

2016

Election of Jovenel Moïse

Jovenel Moïse was elected president in 2016 after a prolonged electoral process. His administration faced multiple crises, including economic challenges and political unrest, affecting Haiti's path to stability.

2021

Assassination of Jovenel Moïse

On July 7, 2021, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated, leading to further instability and uncertainty in Haitian politics, exacerbating the existing challenges facing the nation's governance and security.

2023

Continued Struggles for Stability and Progress

Haiti continues to face significant challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and widespread violence. Efforts from international organizations and the Haitian community aim to foster recovery and sustainable development for the nation’s future.