Haiti: History

The Spanish establish its first European settlement in the western hemisphere in the island of Hispaniola, where present-day Haiti and Dominican Republic reside.

Spain cedes the western part of Hispaniola to France, which is present-day Haiti.

Haiti becomes an independent nation from the French.

The U.S. invades Haiti to protect U.S. property and investments from problems arising from the black-mulatto friction.

The U.S. withdraws troops from Haiti but maintains fiscal control until 1947.

U.S. forces oversee Haiti's transition into a civilian government.

Haiti becomes a full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) trade bloc.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund decide to wipe off $1.2 billion of Haiti's debt (80% of total) after judging that it has followed the required economic reforms and poverty reduction conditions.

Haiti receives $5.3 billion in aid from the UN to help rebuild infrastructure after an earthquake with a 7.0 magnitude struck the country earlier that year, killing up to 300,000 people. 

The country is struck by Hurricane Sandy, causing massive crop damage and leaving around 20,000 people homeless.

Street protests in Port-au-Prince and other major cities, with marchers voicing discontent about various issues including an overdue election, unemployment and corruption.

New wave of anti-government protests begins in Port-au-Prince.

Hurricane Matthew, the strongest to hit the region in a decade, kills hundreds in Haiti and destroys thousands of homes.

At least four people are killed and dozens injured in nationwide anti-corruption protests against President Moise and other officials.

Unidentified gunmen attack the home of President Jovenel Moïse in the capital, Port-au-Prince, killing him.