Haiti: The Tumultuous History - From Pearl of the Caribbean to Broken Nation: The Tumultuous History - From Pearl of the Caribbean to Broken Nation

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, in 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


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