With the recent earthquake in Haiti a lot of attention has been given to the current economic, social and political situation, in order to realize how the disaster has had such a devastating effect, and how to deal with it. The history of the situation is rarely questioned. I'm going to attempt to look at Haiti's history to determine why it is so economically devastated in today's world, and subsequently why they are so devastated by disaster.
Haiti was first colonized by the Spanish, who began importing slaves from Africa. The massive import of slaves accounts for the 95% population of Blacks in modern Haiti. The colony later passed into French hands where sugar plantations were established and 30,000 French settlers arrived. Throughout Haiti's history, from its colonial past to its economically unstable present it has maintained a small upper/ruling-class and vast majority lower/slave-class. This historical economic disparity has lead to present conditions, where the still majority impoverished lower-class are devastated by disaster.
After abolition of slavery and independence from France, becoming the only country to be created out of slave revolt, Haiti survived and began to develop its economy under years of emperors and Presidents. After paying reparations to Franceof American occupation. That is until the United States installed and propped up a series of dictators. The policy of the dictators was of isolationism and they set up death squads called the "Tonton Macoutes" to enforce the law.
In the latter years of the regime American companies set up factories in urban centers such as Port-au-Prince driving people off the land into urban centers. These industrial facilities were soon abandoned which is one of the most important factors deciding Haiti's current economic situation. As the factories were abandoned slums to accommodate the lower class were developed, because of these poorly constructed high-density neighbourhoods, disasters take a huge toll on Haitians living in urban regions.
Haiti's economic troubles can be explained by its apparent lack of industrial or agricultural basis, which the United States, partially self-serving, installed in an attempt to boost its own and Haiti's economies. The overarching problem historically in Haiti is of political instability which has been aggravated by foreign powers intervention. The country has suffered 32 coup d'etats in its 200 year history stagnating any political, social or economic progress.
Because of these factors modern Haiti is severely impoverished and severely underdeveloped leading to horrible disasters and an inability to deal with these disasters. The most important problem seems to be of exploitation by foreign powers who have attempted to alter Haiti's economy for selfish purposes and subsequently left it in tatters when the experiment proves unprofitable. Developed nations, especially France, and the United States have a moral debt to Haiti for encouraging these economic conditions and therefore a responsibility to help in these times of disaster. Also they have the responsibility to help in times of peace, in order to continue peace and encourage prosperity economically.
Tackling issues of racism, education, agriculture, industry and economic disparity between classes are necessary to further development in Haiti.
Haiti
Why is Haiti So Poor?
Earthquake in Haiti: As I see it
