One of the great “silences” in US history. Haiti sent volunteers to fight in the American Revolution, while the slaves’ defeat of Napoleon’s forces there allowed the United States to purchase the massive Louisiana territory. During the twentieth century this small Caribbean nation became more dependent on the US, including military occupation from 1915 to 1934. The US later kept a watchful eye, provided aid and purchased most exports (largely coffee). The strongly anti-communist Duvalier regimes were kept in place by American government support.

Once the Cold War ended, possibilities opened up for democratic change. Opposition to the Duvaliers formed around Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and the Americans began to discourage attempts by the Tonton Macoute (Duvalier’s secret police) to put down protests. In September 1994, after Aristide’s election and almost immediate overthrow, President Clinton ordered American troops to invade Haiti again in “Operation Restore Democracy” Nonetheless, Haiti remains an impoverished nation and many Haitians seek to enter the United States as refugees (boat people) and immigrants.