The Heritage of debt for Haiti started upon its independence. The Haitian revolution of 1804 lead to the elimination of slavery and established Haiti as the first black republic in the new world. Most countries decided not to recognize Haiti's independence, including United States of America.

Unlike other nations, Haiti did not pay for its independence only with the blood they spilled on the battle ground during the fight for its independence. France also requested the blood of Haitians yet to be born at the time. In exchange for French recognition of Haiti as an independent nation, France demanded that the Haitian government pay them 150 million francs, which is equivalent today to 21 billion US dollars.

Fearing the possibility of invasion from France and the re-instatement of slavery in the island, the Haitian government agreed to pay the indemnity to France. Later, the indemnity would be reduced to 90 million gold francs.

The Haitian people spent close to 100 years paying this debt to France. It is reported that the Haitian government had to make many sacrifices just to come up with the fund necessary for the first payment.

Questions:

Do you think Haiti should have been required to pay the debt of independence to France?

Do you think our present economic problem is due to the debt of independence?

Do you think France should return the money back to the Haitian people; if so, then how much?

Do you think that the reason US did not recognize Haiti after its independence is because it felt threaten due to its own system of slave?