Caribbean culture and its historical development

Haiti Jamaica Comparison

Jamaica and Haiti share a common history of British and American influence. While both countries have been subject to a degree of political and economic instability, Haiti has a lengthy history of political oppression and economic chaos that continues today. Similarly, while both countries have ongoing relationships with the United States, Jamaica's relationship is much more stable. Today, Haiti's economic and political future seems uncertain, while Jamaica is a relatively stable and prosperous nation.

Jamaica - History

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Jamaica's history was dominated by the English, the slave trade and democratic socialism. At the beginning of the 1800s, Jamaican slaves were subject to terrible treatment, and a slave revolts were common. During the largest of these revolts, the 1831 Christmas Rebellion, over 20,000 slaves murdered planters and destroyed plantations. As retribution, over 400 slaves were hanged, and the resulting outcry in England forced the Jamaican parliament to end slavery in 1834 (Lonely Planet, Jamaica).

The resulting economic transition to wage labor was largely chaotic, as former slaves chose to leave poor wages on plantation estates. White plantation owners were the only people with voting power. Conditions on the island remained poor and naval blockades during the American Civil War cut off vital supplies and made conditions even worse. The Morant Bay Rebellion resulted in public executions, hangings, and destruction that forced England to send more "enlightened" governors to Jamaica (Lonely Planet, Jamaica).

The Great Depression hurt a recovering economic recovery in Jamaica, but WWII improved the economy as the island supplied food and raw materials to Britain. In 1944, adult suffrage came to Jamaica, and the island was given virtual autonomy from Britain in 1947. The island moved toward democratic socialism in the 1970s, and inflation and unemployment resulted in political instability. The U.S. government became unhappy with Jamaica's socialist path, and the CIA moved to end the socialist government. In the 1980's the socialist party was replaced, economic conditions improved, and Jamaica was relatively stable until a 1999 gasoline tax parked riots. Since that time, gang violence has increased in the country (Lonely Planet, Jamaica).

Haiti - History

Haiti's history in the 19th and 20th centuries is largely one of militant uprisings and political instability. The country began the 1800s with the bloody victories of rebel leader Jean-Jacques Dessailines who declared independence for Haiti in 1804. Dessailines declared himself emperor, gained absolute power, and imposed military decrees (Lonely Planet, Haiti).

Public opposition to Dessailines soon resulted in civil war. In 1849, part of the republic declared independence as the Dominican Republic. From 1843 to 1915, only one of 22 heads of state served the entire term, with assassinations and exile common. An angry mob killed Haiti's president in 1915.

This marked the beginning of a period of U.S. occupation, likely spurred by Haiti's importance due tot he Panama Canal. U.S. troops changed the constitution, disbanded the army, and seized Haiti's gold. Rebellions against the U.S. occupation were stopped, and the Americans left in 1934, leaving a weak economy and poor infrastructure (Lonely Planet, Haiti).

In 1956, elections brought "Papa Doc" Duvalier to power, who ruled with an iron fist. He was succeeded in 1971 by his son "Baby Doc" Duvalier, who continued brutal political oppression of opponents. The onset of AIDS damaged tourism, and a U.S.-led destruction of Haitian pigs designed to manage a pig disease damaged the economy. The Duvalier family was soon exiled, and a period of further political instability followed. During this time, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, appeared as a leading candidate for bringing Haiti peace and true democracy. A number of elections and coups followed, and Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected in 1990, and more instability ensued. Today, Haiti's political and economic situation remains fragile and volatile (Lonely Planet, Haiti).

Relationships with the United States

Traditionally, Jamaica has had close ties with the United States, both in political, commercial and personal terms. The U.S. provided economic assistance to Jamaica after WWII, and ties were strengthened even as Jamaica declared its independence, with Jamaica's then president declaring its close relationship with the United States. While Jamaica has made moves to distance itself from the United States in the political and economic arena after the cold war, ties between the countries have remained strong (Federal Research Division, Jamaica's).

In contrast, Haiti has long been isolated from foreign countries, but has had a long relationship with the United States. The United States has been Haiti's main trading partner, provided foreign assistance, and has also had close political ties to Haiti. U.S. aid to Haiti has been sporadic, and was suspended in 1987, but restored in 1989 (Federal Research Division, Haiti).