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Francois Duvalier's birth
Francois Duvalier was born on April 14th, 1907 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He was an only child and was nicknamed papa doc. His parents were Duval Duvalier and Ulyassia Duvalier. His father was a school teacher and his mother was a baker. -
Francois's marrige
He was married to Simone Duvalier in 1939 until his death date which was in 1971. His parents were Ulyssia Abraham and Duval Duvalier. -
The Duvalier family
He had 4 children in his life with Simone Duvalier who were Jean-Claude Duvalier, Marie‑Denise Duvalier, Nicole Duvalier, Simone Duvalier. Eventually, Jean went on to being president of Haiti after his father. -
When Francois was in the military
In 1956 he was a Voodoo physician. He later seized power over the military coup and is soon elected president. -
Francois's election
Francois Duvalier was elected in 1957 until his death date of 1971. He was elected on a populist and black nationalist platform. After thwarting a military coup d'état in 1958, his regime rapidly became totalitarian and despotic. -
Duvalier's fatal danger
On May 24th, 1959 he suffered a massive heart attack which was hard on him since he was already diabetic at the time. Also, he suffered from heart disease. -
Francois's dictatorship
In 1964 Pappa Doc claims himself to be president for life. Soon later he develops a dictatorship to help the Tonton’s Macoutes militia. -
Jean Claude took over being president after his father
When Francois Duvalier passed his 19-year-old son Jean Claude Duvalier took over. Just like his father, he claimed himself president for life. -
Francois's death
Duvalier died on April 21st, 1971 because of complications with diabetes mellitus. He passed on April 21st, in 1971 which was his last day in office with his job. -
Francois's son flees Haiti
His son flees Haiti in the wake of popular discontent in 1986. Soon later he was replaced by Lieutenant-General Henri Namphy.