Knowra François Duvalier François Duvalier François Duvalier, known as “Papa Doc,” was Haiti’s president from 1957 until his death in 1971. He built a personalist dictatorship sustained by the Tonton Macoute and political repression.
Tonton Macoute : A Haitian paramilitary force created under François Duvalier, used to enforce his rule through surveillance, intimidation, and violence. This force made personal loyalty and coercion central to Duvalier’s control of Haiti.
Haitian Revolution of 1946 : A political uprising in Haiti that toppled President Élie Lescot and ushered in a period of political realignment. Its upheaval preceded the political networks and struggles that shaped Duvalier’s rise.
Simone Duvalier : François Duvalier’s wife, who held influence within his government and family political network. Her position connected the presidency to the family that would inherit it.
Haitian diaspora : Communities of Haitian origin living outside Haiti, formed through migration across several periods. Political repression and economic hardship under Duvalier contributed to exile and migration.
François Duvalier and the Haitian left : The relationship between Duvalier’s government and Haiti’s left-wing political movements, marked by persecution and exile. His anti-communist repression targeted leftist opponents while he adopted populist language.
Duvalierism : A Haitian political system centered on the Duvalier family, authoritarian rule, patronage, and repression. The regime became a durable political system rather than merely Duvalier’s presidency.
Paul Magloire : Haitian military officer and president from 1950 to 1956, whose departure opened a succession crisis. The end of Magloire’s rule created the instability in which Duvalier campaigned.
Jean-Claude Duvalier : François Duvalier’s son, who succeeded him as president of Haiti in 1971. Duvalier designated his teenage son as successor, extending family rule.
Haitian boat people : Haitian migrants who attempted dangerous sea journeys, especially toward the United States, during periods of hardship and repression. Later departures reflected conditions intensified during the Duvalier era.
Édouard Marcelin : A Haitian politician who opposed François Duvalier and was associated with the 1957 presidential contest. Marcelin’s political opposition offers a contemporary alternative to Duvalier’s project.
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