The History of Poverty in Haiti: Why the Crisis Persists

Haiti's poverty is not an accident of nature. It is the result of centuries of external debt, internal instability, and economic isolation that followed its revolutionary independence in 1804.

The Independence Debt

In 1825, France demanded 150 million gold francs from Haiti (later reduced to 90 million) in exchange for recognition of its independence. This debt, which took over 122 years to pay off, drained the country's treasury and prevented investment in schools, hospitals, and infrastructure that other nations were building in the 19th century.

Political Isolation

As the first free Black republic in the world, Haiti was isolated by major powers for decades. This isolation prevented the development of trade relationships and kept the nation on the periphery of the global industrial revolution.

Modern Challenges

The 20th and 21st centuries have seen a cycle of political upheaval and devastating natural disasters. From the 1915-1934 US occupation to the major earthquakes of 2010 and 2021, the nation's progress has been repeatedly reset.