Haiti's Devastating Earthquake of 2008
Sian Atkin-Smith
9DJM
English and Humanities
Haiti’s devastating earthquake of 2008 brought havoc upon many, buildings were obliterated, and the lifestyle of Haitians collapsed. The earthquake which dawned on Port-au-Prince (Capital of Haiti) at 4:52pm locally, and 9:52pm GMT on Tuesday 12th January, 2010 was so indescribably deadly due to these main points: The money/economy/leadership, Haiti’s geography, and lifestyles.
Over the years, Haiti suffered many financial discomforts. Enslaved by debt. No other country other than Haiti could describe this statement further. Haiti gained independence in 1804, being the first black republic.150 million francs were owed to France as the price of freedom, this debt dwelling for 120 years. Due to the overwhelming low income, Haiti struggled mightily throughout World War 1, not being able to fund weapons or defences. In the 1950’s and onwards, a series of military dictatorships occurred in Haiti. This caused civil war to break out, leading to poorer defences to outside attacks. Not only this, but businesses would begin to crumble, income would weaken and force more debts. In 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristide attempted to serve as Haiti’s first elected prime minister, but was pushed out of power by the military performing a coup. Funding to assist the coup from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was reported. Although the American government funded to remove Aristide from power, in 1994, they supported him. A sudden realisation came apparent to America that the military were simply being more hassle to Haiti rather than the help that was hoped. This was a huge disadvantage to America, mainly due to the knowledge that they would have to fund for Haiti. A deal was forced upon Aristide to change the economic situations, and borrow money from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF allowed Haiti to borrow money, but on the strict agreement that Haiti would allow international countries to sell their products
9DJM
English and Humanities
Haiti’s devastating earthquake of 2008 brought havoc upon many, buildings were obliterated, and the lifestyle of Haitians collapsed. The earthquake which dawned on Port-au-Prince (Capital of Haiti) at 4:52pm locally, and 9:52pm GMT on Tuesday 12th January, 2010 was so indescribably deadly due to these main points: The money/economy/leadership, Haiti’s geography, and lifestyles.
Over the years, Haiti suffered many financial discomforts. Enslaved by debt. No other country other than Haiti could describe this statement further. Haiti gained independence in 1804, being the first black republic.150 million francs were owed to France as the price of freedom, this debt dwelling for 120 years. Due to the overwhelming low income, Haiti struggled mightily throughout World War 1, not being able to fund weapons or defences. In the 1950’s and onwards, a series of military dictatorships occurred in Haiti. This caused civil war to break out, leading to poorer defences to outside attacks. Not only this, but businesses would begin to crumble, income would weaken and force more debts. In 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristide attempted to serve as Haiti’s first elected prime minister, but was pushed out of power by the military performing a coup. Funding to assist the coup from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was reported. Although the American government funded to remove Aristide from power, in 1994, they supported him. A sudden realisation came apparent to America that the military were simply being more hassle to Haiti rather than the help that was hoped. This was a huge disadvantage to America, mainly due to the knowledge that they would have to fund for Haiti. A deal was forced upon Aristide to change the economic situations, and borrow money from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF allowed Haiti to borrow money, but on the strict agreement that Haiti would allow international countries to sell their products