Haiti
Historical Events
1492 - First European Settlement
Christopher Columbus establishes La Navidad on the northeastern coast of Hispaniola.
1697 - Cession to France
The western portion of Hispaniola is ceded to France, becoming Saint-Domingue.
1791 - Haitian Revolution Begins
The revolution starts, leading to Haiti's struggle for independence from French colonial rule.
1804 - Haiti's Independence
Haiti declares independence, becoming the first sovereign state in the Caribbean.
1915 - U.S. Occupation Begins
U.S. forces occupy Haiti, marking a significant foreign intervention.
1934 - U.S. Occupation Ends
The occupation by U.S. forces in Haiti officially ends.
1957 - Duvalier Family Rule Begins
François Duvalier becomes president, initiating decades of dictatorial rule.
1991 - Coup d'État
A coup d'état occurs, leading to U.S.-led intervention the following year.
1994 - Multinational Force Intervention
A U.S.-led multinational force intervenes to restore elected government in Haiti.
2004 - Second Coup and UN Intervention
A second coup results in a United Nations intervention in Haiti.
2010 - Catastrophic Earthquake
A devastating earthquake strikes Haiti, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.