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1492:
Christopher Columbus discovers the island of Haiti. It is re-named Hispaniola by the Spaniards who established a colony and gold mining operations. The first inhabitants of the islands (Arawas, Tainos, and Caribbean) estimated at a number of approximately one million at the time, are decimated by forced labor; 50 years later, the native Indian population is extinct.
1517:
To supplement the extinct Indian labor force, the Spaniards instituted the slave trade of black Africans.
1625:
Beginning of the French period. First settlements of adventurers on the Island of La Tortue (Tortuga) and on the North-Western coast of the Island. Violent warfare between Spain and France for control over the island.
1697:
By the Ryswick Treaty, Spain granted the occidental part of the island to France, wich rebaptized it Saint-Domingue. The French colonists invested in the sugar plantations economy which, along with coffee and indigo, become the colony's main source of prosperity.
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1791:
First consequences of the French Revolution and first slave uprisings which lead to the Independence War opposing revolted slaves and Black Freemen to the intervention forces sent by Napoleon Bonaparte. The French troops surrendered to the rebel forces in December 1803.
1804:
January 1st. Independence is proclaimed. The Island reclaims its original name after 3 centuries: Haiti. The new state is not recognized by any European power.
1825:
France acknowledges the Independence of Haiti in exchange of payment 150,000 gold francs, i.e. France's yearly budget at the time.
1862:
During the Secession War, and 58 years after its independence, the United States recognize Haiti. The 19th century witnesses the country's struggle for power and for the apportionment of resources.
1915:
The country is occupied by the United States until 1934. The United Stated took over the Finances, the management of the gendarmes and of all public services.
1986:
Overthrow of the Duvalier regime after 29 years in power.
1990:
First free elections supervised by the International Community.
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Military coup. President Aristide is deposed and exiled. The International Community uses means of pressure such as the commercial embargo to restore democracy in Haiti.
1994:
A resolution from the United Nations Security Council authorizes the United States to use force to invade Haiti in order to restore democracy. On September 19, 1994, after an agreement was signed between the United States and the Haitian military, the American Troops land pacifically in Haiti.
1994 / 2000:
New democratic elected President.
