January 1st, 1804

Haiti becomes an independent country.

1957 - 1986: The Duvalier Era

Haiti is rule by the two dictators -- Francois ("Papa Doc") Duvalier, and after his death, his son, Jean-Claude ("Baby Doc") Duvalier. At the end of Jean-Claude's rule, he was forced to flee the country.

February 7, 1991

Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a priest working in poor areas of Port-au-Prince, is elected president.

September 30, 1991

A military coup, lead by Raoul Cédras, overthrows the Aristide government. Aristide is exiled from Haiti.

October 15, 1994

Aristide returns to Haiti, backed by the Clinton administration. He resumes his presidency, but a condition of his return is that his period in exile must be counted against his presidential term.

February 1996

Aristide's term ends, and Aristide becomes the first leader in the history of Haiti to surrender power peacefully. He is succeeded by newly-elected President René Préval.