CRISIS IN THE CARIBBEAN : A Century of Strife

Significant dates in Haiti’s recent history and current crisis:

1915--Haitian mob lynches unpopular president. U.S. Marines invade Haiti to restore order and enforce the country’s financial obligations to American creditors.

1919--The Marines suppress a nationalist revolt. Thousands are killed, including its leader, Charlemagne Peralte, who becomes a national martyr.

1934--Marines pull out, leaving behind improved roads and a revamped military.

1957--Army-rigged election of Francois (Papa Doc) Duvalier. Begins 29-year dictatorship bolstered by Tonton Macoutes private militia.

1971--Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) Duvalier takes over as president-for-life after father’s death.

1981--Haiti-U.S. interdiction treaty empowers the United States to repatriate Haitian boat people.

1986--Military-tolerated popular uprising ousts Baby Doc. Military junta takes over.

1987--Constitution ratified. Army-backed massacre at the polls aborts chance for first-ever democratic elections.

1988--Leslie Manigat wins rigged election. Lt. Gen. Henri Namphy seizes power. Goons massacre worshipers and burn down church of Father Jean Bertrand Aristide, a priest popular with the urban poor. Lt. Gen. Prosper Avril seizes power.

1990--Popular uprising forces Avril into exile. Aristide wins landslide presidential election in December.

1991--Aristide inaugurated in February. Names Raoul Cedras as army commander-in-chief. Cedras leads army ouster of Aristide in September. OAS demands Aristide be reinstated, imposes trade sanctions.

1992--Clinton reverses pre-election promises by continuing former President George Bush’s policy of repatriating all Haitian boat people.

1993

JULY--Aristide and Cedras sign U.N.-brokered Governors Island accord providing for Cedras’ resignation, Aristide’s return on Oct. 30 and revamping of Haitian army.

AUG.--Aristide names Robert Malval as interim prime minister, charged with smoothing the way for Aristide’s return.

OCT.--Small group of army-backed toughs prevents Harlan County from docking with 200 American troops on noncombat mission to prepare for Aristide’s return. U.N. extends sanctions to include oil and arms embargo.

1994

FEB.--Human rights violations increase.

MAY--U.N. imposes total trade embargo, reinforced by travel ban and frozen bank accounts.

JUNE--Clinton adjusts boat people policy, allowing processing aboard naval hospital ship anchored in Kingston, Jamaica, harbor, setting off new wave of boat people.

JULY--U.N. Security Council authorizes use of force to remove military leadership and restore legitimate government.

SEPT.--U.S. officials say they have exhausted all peaceful means of restoring Aristide to power. U.S. calls up 1,600 reservists to prepare for a possible invasion.

SEPT. 15--President Clinton addresses the nation on his plans for Haiti.

SEPT. 18--Cedras and Brig. Gen. Philippe Biamby agree to step down.