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201
Meso-Indians Arrive
The Meso-Indians arrived in 1,000 B.C, but they were one of the known tribes living in Haiti until the Taino-Arawak tribe in the 15th century. The Meso-Indians were also hunters and gatherers who made tools and pottery. They lived in many areas ranging from South America to the Greater Antilles. -
201
Paleo-Indians Arrive
Around 5,000 B.C., the Paleo-Indians first arrived. However, it is likely that they lived in Haiti up until the Common Era. The Paleo-Indians were hunters and gatherers who were believed to have come from Central America. Today, there are no indigenous animals left in Haiti since they were overhunted, which may have something to do with the Paleo-Indians and other groups of hunters as well. -
Jan 1, 1400
The Taino-Arawak People Inhabit Haiti
The words Taino Arawak mean the Good People, which is the perfect definition of the Taino-Arawaks. They are peace-loving people of native Arawak descent who were known to exist in Haiti in the 1400's. They were eventually honored greatly when the name Haiti, which means mountainous country, was chosen for the island. This was the name that the Taino-Arawaks gave the island. -
Jan 1, 1400
Kalipunas Invade Haiti
The history of the Kalipunas began sometime before 1635. The Arawaks were living in Haiti, and the Kalipuna people came from South America and conquered the Arawaks. They killed all the men, but took the women for their wives. Thus, the people left on the island were half Kalipuna, half Arawak. The Spanish named them the Caribs, which descends from the word cannibal. The word Caribbean was later taken from this root as well. -
Dec 5, 1492
Christopher Columbus Discovers Haiti
In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered "Haiti", and named it La Isla Espanola, which later changed to Hispaniola. Columbus had thought Hispaniola was filled with gold, so he called in more Spaniards who ended up conquering the island. Spain turned the natives into slaves, and the population reduced severely from the harsh labor and conditions. This event is very significant because it was the first time that a group other than Native Americans discovered Haiti. -
Slave Rebellion
From 1791 to 1803, there was a slave rebellion which turned into a 13-year war. The slaves were fighting against the colonists of St. Domingue and Napolean's army. In 1803, the Battle of Vertieres took place, which was where the slaves sought their victory. They created a red and blue flag that was devised using France's flag colors, but they rotated it to the side and removed the white section. -
Corrupt Government
During this time, endeavors to seek a more democratic governement completely failed. There was an election controlled by the military, in which Dr. Francois Duvalier became President. He later named himself President for Life. He was the meanest and harshest dictator to ever control Haiti, and he created one of the most depressing time periods in history. Tens of thousands of people were killed or exiled because of the corrupt government. -
Haitian Religion
Currently in Haiti, 80% of people are Roman Catholic and 20% are Protestant. However, most Haitians practice some kind of voodoo, therefore meaning voodoo could be considered the "national" religion. The Roman Catholics believe that they can practice both types of religion, but Protestants strongly despise voodoo. The picture on the right is voodoo being executed
