VI. The World Wars and the Interwar Period, 1914–1945 > E. Latin America and the Caribbean, 1914–1945 > 5. The West Indies > e. Haiti > 1918–19
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1918–19
 
A revolt against the U.S. occupation led by Charlemagne Perlate caused much trouble but was eventually suppressed.  1
 
1920, June 30
 
Haiti joined the League of Nations.  2
 
1922–30
 
Luis Borno, president.  3
 
1929, Dec
 
Opposition to his rule led to serious disorders. Larger U.S. forces were sent to the island, where they were attacked by mobs. One of the root causes of the anti-U.S. sentiment was the American practice of giving preference to Haitian mulattos (because of their light skin) over blacks in government and other arenas of power.  4
 
1930, Feb.–March
 
In view of the widespread anti-American feeling, a commission of investigation, headed by W. Cameron Forbes, was sent out by the Washington government. This commission recommended administrative reforms, the replacement of the military high commissioner by a civilian, and the continuation of the treaty relationship until 1936. It also persuaded Borno to relinquish office.  5
 
1930–41
 
Stenio Vincent (1874–1959) became president. With American aid, order was restored, finances and administration were reformed, public improvements introduced, and education developed. At the same time a series of agreements was made providing for eventual termination of U.S. control. These were blocked by the Haitian assembly, which insisted on immediate withdrawal. After the advent of the Roosevelt administration, arrangements were quickly made for complete termination of U.S. control and liquidation of the Haitian foreign debt.  6
 
1934, Aug. 6
 
The American forces were withdrawn. After a plebiscite and under executive pressure, the Haitian assembly approved the agreements with the U.S.  7
 
1935, June 17
 
The Haitian assembly adopted a new constitution, which endowed the president with broad executive powers. Vincent's term was extended to 1941.  8
 
1937, Oct
 
An acute crisis developed in relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, because of the massacre of Haitians who had migrated there to work. The Vincent government sought a peaceful solution and requested the good offices of the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. An agreement was finally reached on Jan. 31, 1938.  9
 
1941, Dec. 8
 
Haiti declared war on Japan and later (Dec. 12) on Germany and Italy. (See Haiti)  10
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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