A Brief History of Haiti

The text of this Kindle edition, equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 16 pages, first appeared in the U.S. Department of State’s 2011 publication “Background Note: Haiti.”

Sample passage:
The late 1950s saw the start of the violent and repressive dictatorship of Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier. Elected president in 1957, he declared himself president-for-life in 1964 and ruled until his death in 1971 with the help of his paramilitary force, the Tontons Macoutes. Francois Duvalier was succeeded by his son, Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier, who also declared himself president-for-life. The Duvaliers’ rule was characterized by repressive state controls, including the lack of basic democratic rights. Faced with economic collapse and a popular uprising, Jean-Claude Duvalier fled to France on February 7, 1986. The period immediately after his departure was marked by mob vengeance against members of the Tontons Macoutes.