The Looming Shadow: U.S. Occupation of Haiti (1915-1934)

The intervention by the United States in Haiti during 1915-1934 was a significant period that shaped the nation's history and continues to elicit mixed feelings among Haitians. This occupation was initiated under the guise of maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly with the rise of tribalism and political instability in Haiti.

Before 1915, Haiti was engulfed in political turmoil with frequent power struggles, leading to multiple presidential changes within a short span. The period from 1908 to 1915 saw seven presidents in just seven years. Following President Woodrow Wilson's orders, U.S. Marines landed on July 28, 1915, to address fears of European interests diminishing American commercial and political influence in both Haiti and the surrounding region of the Panama Canal.

The event that triggered the U.S. intervention was the assassination of Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, yet U.S. interests in Haiti dated back to the previous century. President Andrew Johnson once wished to annex both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and Secretary of State James Blaine tried to acquire a northern settlement for a naval base in Mle-Saint-Nicolas.

The U.S. occupation aimed to control the country's financial reserves, rewrite its constitution to allow foreigners to own land, and implement a centralized government. The roads, schools, and hospitals built during this period were often constructed using a forced-labor system, which is reminiscent of a national chain gang, making the notion of indispensable nation-building somewhat hollow.

Resistance and Brutality

The occupation was marked by resistance and brutality. Thousands of Haitians fought against the occupying forces, known as Cacos, or 'bandits' as they were often called by retired Marines. Stories from the time reflect the harsh reality of the occupation. For instance, one account recounts how young Marines kicked a man’s decapitated head, using this as a method to scare the rebellious civilians. Other tales include the fear-inducing sounds of Marines' boots, which allegedly resembled the mythical Galipot—a three-legged horse. Additionally, the use of blackface by Marines to blend in and avoid confrontation is another disturbing aspect of the occupation.

The assassination of Charlemagne Péralte, one of the most famous adversaries of the occupation, further exemplifies the violence that characterized this period. Péralte’s body was left displayed and to rot in the sun, a symbol of the regime's ruthlessness. The notion that this occupation brought indispensable benefits, such as nation-building, is highly questionable, especially considering the unjust and tyrannical nature of its labor systems.

Officially, the U.S. troops left Haiti in 1934, but the impacts of the occupation were felt long after. The creation of a gendarmerie—a combination of army and police—served as a replacement for the Marines, effectively continuing their control over law and order.

Long-Term Impact and Commemoration

The long-term impacts of the U.S. occupation on Haiti are profound and often remembered with mixed emotions. In the town where my grandfather was one of the Cacos, a commemorative banner now acknowledges the day of the 1929 massacre. However, the question of what to commemorate, remember, or forget during a nineteen-year occupation remains a challenge.

The legacy of this period is complex. It is marked by the brutal suppression of resistance, the establishment of a forced labor system, and the imposition of a centralized government. While some infrastructure was built, the methods used to achieve this come under scrutiny, especially considering the democratic freedoms that were not always upheld within the U.S. itself at the time.

Reflecting on the words of Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan, who described Haitians as 'niggers speaking French,' one can see the racial biases that permeated this time. This episode in history serves as a sobering reminder of the often violent and oppressive nature of foreign interventions under the guise of maintaining order or national interests.

Conclusion

The U.S. occupation of Haiti (1915-1934) left an indelible mark on the nation. Through stories passed down in families and commemorated through local banners, the long-term impacts of this period continue to shape Haiti's social, political, and cultural landscape. While certain benefits were achieved, the methods and outcomes of the occupation are often marked by dread and violence, reminding us of the complex and sometimes disastrous consequences of such ventures.