The US Marines' Occupation of Haiti: 1915-1934

Name: The US Marines' Occupation of Haiti: 1915-1934
Start: 1856-07-28
Location: Unspecified

The Arrival of US Marines in Haiti

In 1915, the Caribbean nation of Haiti faced a dire situation marked by political turmoil and social unrest. Virtually plunging into anarchy, the country’s instability compelled the President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, to intervene. On July 28, 1915, under the guise of restoring order, US Marines landed in Haiti, marking the beginning of a nearly two-decade-long occupation that would shape the nation’s future.

How Woodrow Wilson Reacted to Haitian Crises

President Woodrow Wilson aimed to stabilize the region following a series of coups and the assassination of Haitian President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam. Alarmed by the potential threat to American interests and influenced by the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, Wilson sent the Marines to protect US investments and thwart any European aspirations in the area.

The Initial Challenges Faced by the Marines

Upon arrival, the Marines were greeted with a resistant populace. The initial weeks were fraught with violence as they faced insurgency from local factions, but despite these challenges, the Marines maintained their foothold. They quickly began to restructure Haiti’s military, police, and administration to establish a more stable governing body.

The Long Period of Occupation

The occupation lasted until 1934, during which the US sought to exert greater control over Haiti’s finances and sovereignty. While some infrastructural improvements were made, such as road construction and sanitation projects, resentment grew among Haitians toward foreign intervention.

The Economic Impact of American Occupation

One of the primary actions of the US was to replace the Haitian National Bank with the American-run National City Bank, controlling funds and financial transactions. This strategy aimed to stabilize the Haitian economy, but it often led to the exploitation of the country’s resources, fostering deep-seated grievances among locals.

Resistance and Rebellion against the Occupation

Despite the initial intentions of the US to bring stability, resistance grew. Organizations like the Gendarmerie d'Haiti, trained by the Marines, faced uprisings, including the notable 1920 Courtois Rebellion. Such events reflected the mounting anger over foreign rule and ignited a search for national identity and sovereignty.

Fun Fact

Haitian Resistance and the "Caco" Fighters

Known as Caco Fighters, many Haitians resisted the occupying forces through bush combat tactics. These local guerrilla groups challenged US authority and left a lasting legacy on both Haitian culture and its quest for autonomy.