Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier
Dictatorships in Haiti
The Men in Power
Jean-Claude Duvalier, or "Baby Doc" was born in Port-Au-Prince in 1951. He was kidnapped in 1963, but the attempt failed, and he was forced to live in the presidential palace. In 1971, He became the leader of Haiti at the age of 19. Haiti at the time had a 90% illiteracy rate that had widespread poverty. People were not happy with the way he led Haiti, and began to protest. in 1986, violent protests left 50 civilians dead in Port-Au-Prince. On February 7th, 1986, Jean-Claude Duvalier left the military in charge of Haiti, and boarded a plane for France. He still lives there today. After his departure, the president for life was replaced by a constitutional democracy. The president served as head of state and the prime minister serves as head of government.
The Faces of Haiti
Jean-Claude Duvalier
Known as "Baby Doc"
Francois Duvalier
Known as "Papa Doc"
Haiti
This is Haiti's Flag
Duvalier video
A Letter addressing the People of Haiti
I am writing this letter to inform you that I have left Haiti, and have left military personel in control of Haiti for the time being. I regret leaving Haiti on such short notice, but I had to in order to ensure my own safety. I have left Haiti, and am now in France. I am leaving at a delicate time for Haiti, and would like to express that there will be new leaders I am putting in charge that you can trust. The leaders I am putting in charge are good men, and can lead Haiti out of the problems that you are facing. I truly hope that Haiti can continue to be an ordered country, and hope for the best.
signed Your leader for life,
Jean-Claude Duvalier
Essential Question
Work Cited
"Jean-Claude Duvalier." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.