A Tumultuous History Haiti was originally inhabited by the Taino Indians of the Arawak Linquistic Family. The Tainos migrated from the northeast coast of South America through the Antilles. In 1492 Christopher Columbus representing Spain landed on the northwest tip of the island. In the 1697 Treaty of Ryswick, Spain gave France control of the colony of Saint Domingue. With slave labor from West Africa, French colonists produced sugar, coffee, indigo and cotton. In 1791 a slave rebellion led to a 13-year successful war of independence against the French colonists and Napoleon’s army. France recognized Haiti’s independence in 1838. The country suffered chronic economic and political instability for the following decades. In 1964 Dr. François Duvalier (Papa Doc) declared himself President-for-Life. After his death in 1971, his son Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) took control of the country. He was exiled to France in 1986 and replaced by a succession of military leaders. Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected to office in 1990 but removed in a 1991 coup. In 1994 a multinational force landed in Haiti, forcing coup leaders to leave the country. Aristide was reinstated and served until his term was over in 1995 when René Préval was elected President. Aristide was reelected in December 2000, and inaugurated for the second time in February 2001.		Haitians ride a colorful Tap-Tap A Carribean Island A Tumultuous History Challenges in Haiti Home