This Country Had To Pay Reparations To Their Oppressor

illustration of haitian revolution
Via Picryl
Adé Hennis
April 19, 2024

After 14 years of revolution, Haiti gained independence from France in 1804. But just when Haiti was recovering from centuries of colonialism, French armies returned to the shores of Haiti looking for revenge.

In 1825, France forced Haiti to pay 150 million francs in reparations in exchange for recognition of its independence. That debt was only the beginning of worse to come.

With Haiti unable to afford the debt, they had to take out loans to help pay it off. It took 122 years, and it’s estimated that the debt and the interest totaled at least $560 million in today’s dollars.

If that money had stayed in Haiti an estimated $21 billion would have been added to its economy. Haiti might be a thriving country today if it hadn’t had to pay reparations.

The history of Haiti’s exploitation reminds us exactly why when it comes to our history we can never just “get over it.” The impacts of racism from the past are still powerful today.

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