In summary, the U.S. greatly benefitted from Haiti's independence b/c they were France's last major foothold in the northern part of the western hemisphere, therefore it made little military sense for them to hold onto the Louisiana territory. So Thomas Jefferson and Congress worked out the deal to buy it for an insanely low bargain basement price of .03 cents an acre. Just think of all the benefits we reaped from the Louisiana Purchase.
For South America, several of the countries owe their independence to Simon Bolivar who used Haiti as a launching pad for his revolutionary army. For instance, here's an excerpt from a Bolivar letter written December 23,1822; concerning the strength of Haiti, and the vulnerability of Colombia:
"I then cast my eyes over the endless coastline of Colombia, threatened by the fleets of every nation, by the Europeans whose colonies surround us, and by the Africans of Haiti whose strength is mightier than primeval fire."
"The wars in Russia and Haiti should be our model on some points, but without the terrible type of self-destruction that those countries adopted." 1
Without the sacrifice and support of the Haitian people, the countries in South America and the U.S. may not have become as prosperous or gained their independence as quickly throughout history. If the Spanish hadn't been hassled by the revolutionary movements, they might have been able to bother the United States or reconquer Mexico.
Questions:
1. Do the countries of America and Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti anything? Why or why not?
150 words, due Friday 4/16 by class time.
If interested, the Haitian Embassy in D.C. is sponsoring an art contest to celebrate its Flag Day on May 18. Click here for more info: http://www.haiti.org/files/CALL%20FOR%20ARTISTIC%20CONTRIBUTION.pdf
Sources:
1. http://www.historyvortex.org/HaitianRevolutionImpactSpanishCaribbean.html Haitian Revolution and its Impact on the Spanish Revolution.
45 comments:
Declan Gibbons
I think we do owe Haiti something. I think this because if not for them , the united states would be cut in half and possibly be speaking french. I think that they would speak French because if something did happen in France the French could have easily migrated to were the Louisiana territory was. The earthquake in Haiti is perfect timing to be able to do something for them. I think we should try to set up a stable government for them.
I believe only The United States owe something to Haiti for allowing us the chance the purchase the Louisiana Purchase. The other countries of South America do not owe Haiti anything because I believe Simon Bolivar would have tried to free the rest of South America already. Bolivar was all about freedom and he would have freed these countries even if he didn’t have Haiti to jumpstart his journey. The United States of America, however, owe Haiti about half of our farming industry, half of our fishing industry, and half of the income we have made in the current day states that were purchased in the Louisiana Purchase. Without the Louisiana Purchase, The United States would not be anywhere close to as much of a super power as it is now. Without the Louisiana Purchase, we would not have had access to the Western coast of North America, meaning we probably would have never extended past the Mississippi River and that would be the final boundary. For these reasons, we owe the majority of countries success and land area to the Haitian people.
Jason Markowitz
Yes, I do think we owe Haiti. If it weren’t for Haiti the United States could possibly be half of its size and speaking French. If Haiti didn’t order and win its own independence from France the Louisiana territory would have been bought which would have made America almost half of its normal size. When Haiti was ruled by France it was used as a half way point for sailors going to and from America. It just so happens that Haiti is less fortunate than we are at the moment. The recent earth quake is a good reason to give back and return the favor that they did for us. We should make all of the poverty stricken areas more wealthy by providing better living conditions and try to supply as much food as possible. Also Haiti needs a more structured government.
Molly sovran
1. The countries of America, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia should owe Haiti something because they are all relatively close, and they should help out. The united states of America did all they could by raising money and donating stuff to help Haiti out. The countries in South America aren’t rich in money, they should at least do something, as like sending planes and picking the people of Haiti up and letting them stay in their country to save them from starvation and so they can live with a roof over their heads. They don’t necessarily “owe” them something, but they should help out and try their best .
Emily Hotaling 4th hour
1. I don’t think that America and Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti much of anything. Although Haiti helped by excluding the Europeans from the Western Hemisphere, they still gained their freedom so they won also. On the same note, its not that I think these countries are any better than Haiti and if we are decent people we should still come together to try to help them when they need it, just as we would hope they would do for us, as they did do for us. So its nit that we owe them something, but we could still be here for support of them because they would most likely at least try to help us. Many things that America does affects Haiti because it is so close and if we could easily hurt or help them. When they are in need it think we should help if we can, but I don’t think we should interfere with their everyday lives.
I think that we should help out Haiti because if it were not for them we would not be where we are without them. And i also think that we should help them out because its the right thing to do. I do not think that we should just give them money to eat and drink for the short term and then leave. They will end up where they were before the hurricane, which was one of the poorest countries. I want to not only give them a place to live, but i want to give them an opportunity to be successful after the fact, so that one day they will no longer have to be known as one of poorest countries. This will happen when we help them improve the education system, eliminate government corruption and increase job opportunities.
Lianna Schmidt
Steve Attard
I think we dont owe them anything because its not like Haiti purposely do what they did for the U.S and other countries to get more land and independence faster. I think it was just somthing that happend and a choice by the French to give up the land just like that. Haiti did have a little to do with it but i think it was more of the French getting their priorities straight and really looking at what was a wast of money and what they needed to focus on.
Asha Brown
I think that America and Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti. If Haiti’s slaves didn’t revolt there would be a less likely chance that we would have gained the Louisiana Territory. The United States would not be as huge as it is today. We might not have access to all the water routes. Also Bolivar used Haiti as a launch pad which made them an alliance. It allowed Latin America to be free. Alliances usually give something in return, which in this case could be help with recovering from the Earthquake. An earthquake which was a natural disaster, not because they had “a pack with the devil”. I think it’s best if we help Haiti because without them the United States wouldn’t be as strong as it is now. And to balance out the favors the United States and Haiti have done for one another the United States should to help them out now, when they are really in need.
In my opinion, I think we owe Haiti help in the least. Without their independence we could have been bothered by France and the United States would be way smaller than what it is today. We wouldn’t have had the benefits we gained or even the respect we gained form other parts of the world. Also, who’s to say the French wouldn’t just bother us? They could possibly take over South America and from there; conquer the entirety of North America too. Without Haiti, we could possibly be under French rule right now. It could have been a step back in American history, except French rule instead of English rule. I think that we could at least help their earthquake, even in the slightest. It’s the least we could do for them after the opportunities they gave us to make expand our country through North America and the world.
Aaron Lewis 5th hour
People think that United States owe Haiti for a third of our country that we bought from the French which was the Louisiana purchase but I think the united states was just lucky that the French left and decided to sell the land to us. Sure we have benefited from the revolt in Haiti that forced the French out of the Americas by getting a ton of land and all of those lands resources but it is not like Haiti planned that to happen it was all just luck from our prospective. Haiti has resource that could make economy great it is just up to them to do so. It was horrible that they were hit by an earthquake but that was not are fault. Countries like Haiti need to know that they should not depend on help from other countries and even though they have allies that they should learn to fix there own problems and only call for help when they absolutely need it. That is why I feel like the United States don’t owe Haiti anything.
M. Allen
1. Do the countries of America and Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti anything? Why or why not? Do the countries of America and Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti anything? Why or why not?
The only country that truly owes Haiti anything is America (although most other countries should feel sympathy toward Haitians, and assist them for all that they have been through). America greatly benefited from Haiti’s downfall; we were able to re-conquer Mexico, buy Louisiana, and although the blog does not list it, we were able to do many more positive things to benefit our government, economy, society, and lifestyle. America should owe at least one half of the expendable cash that we have obtained from the benefits of Haiti’s independence. Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, and or any other country that benefited from Haiti’s economic deterioration should significantly contribute to Haitians so that they too can have a decent economy. Another viable reason to hold the countries listed above accountable for repaying Haiti for their benefit, is the fact that while some of them (us) are still prospering, Haiti is getting much worse; for an example, Haiti’s economy just suffered from a magnitude “7” earthquake… who can’t help someone/any nation recover from something like that?
I believe Americans owe Haiti. They, as they rebelled against France for freedom from slavery, made the French loose territory. If not, half of the United States would probably be speaking in French. Also Thomas Jefferson got to bargain on land with them for very cheap. Simon Bolivar used the island of Haiti as a launching pad for his revolutionary army, which made the country go through a lot of difficulty. Haiti has helped a great deal in history but is destroyed by its wars and poverty. They were even more damage caused by the earthquake. Some people blame this incident with a so-called pact with the devil. Apparently Haiti has signed one when they were trying to get some slavery freedom from France in 1822. In any case, Haiti has helped a great deal in history for the Americans and they disserve to be helped, especially more since the earthquake.
1. The countries of America, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, and Bolivia do owe Haiti something. I believe that we owe the Haitians something because they have been through a lot. We should help them whether it help them with any wars they might be in or help them out with the Earthquake problems. I know that people in North America are doing a donation program for them, called “Help for Haiti”, and I think it’s a great thing. If we don’t help them out after all they did for us back then, and if they didn’t do anything back then, who knows how all these countries would be like? It might be close to same, but that probably isn’t true. Who knows? We might have been ruled by a King, instead of a president with free choices. Maybe owing isn’t the right word, because I think the countries should help obligated or not, only because it’s the right thing to do. Haiti needs our help and if people don’t help them, it’s their choice but their conscience should tell them to do something. Most people at my school are doing something, which I am glad about. We should also help them not just because of the earthquake that just hit, we should also help them gain a better Government.
Philip Johnson
4-15-10
5th Hour Holla!
The United States and countries of South America do owe Haiti a lot because the Louisiana Purchase more than doubled the size of the United States and the major cause was Haiti winning its independence. Also, since Haiti sacrificed and helped all of these countries in gaining independence and wealth, they deserve to have money spared to them by these countries today, especially after the devastating hurricane that just recently struck Haiti. If all of these countries are too selfish to help Haiti in a time of need when Haiti played a major role in them getting to where they are today, then they didn’t deserve the assistance in the first place. The United States should be very grateful of the Africans of Haiti for fighting off the Spanish so that they didn’t disrupt America. The people of Haiti deserve something in return, even if not money, for all of their efforts to help the other nations.
Holla!
The countries of America, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, and Bolivia all owe Haiti gratitude and a helping hand, because without Haiti’s slave revolt, these countries might not be the same, or it would have been slower progress. When Haiti had its slave revolt, it distracted Spain and France, which allowed their colonies to have their revolts, and it allowed for America to sneak behind Spain’s back and conquer Mexico. If Spain wasn’t distracted, they may have re-conquered Mexico. Also with Spain distracted fighting the French, the Spanish colonies were able to have successful revolts for their freedom. So, in a way Haiti’s revolt caused a chain reaction of revolts by people in other countries that wanted the same pride and freedom, because of this, we owe Haiti our respect, and a helping hand in such a time of need for them. All these other countries should too. So far I think we have done a pretty good job of helping with all the money and supplies donated, but not with the respect. Most people still view Haiti as a poor good for nothing little island.
Jack Arvai Wickersham 4th
I do believe we owe Haiti. If it were not for Haiti, the United States would not be the same as it is now. Independence is a very important right, and not having it as soon as we did or not having it all all would not be good for the people of the United States. Our actions made Haiti how it is, poor. They helped us in the past, so now its time for us to help them. Although the earthquake in Haiti is an awful event, its also a chance for Haiti start fresh. I think that we can help them become a better country by helping them start over with a good government and good education.
Leah Cohen
Christina Lieder
I think we owe Haiti something. Without their sacrifice, our country probably wouldn't have gained our independence as quickly as it did. Haiti really did help us, and i think we should give them something in return.
Donovan Hertz
I think that we owe Haiti a lot. We owe them all the help they need because without them we would not have half the land that we have now. Ok it was not all them but most of it was because of them so I think that we owe them some money. I think that we owe them the amount of money as we got for the Louisiana Purchase. I think that should help them and that they would really like that and that they really need the money. Also we need to keep helping them. We can help them by building houses, hospitals, and business back for them. They helped us grow our country so we can repay them by helping them when they are in need the most. And now is the time that they are in need the most. We can also help them by allowing them to become United States citizens. Just another idea.
Declan Gibbons:
(To add to comment to get 150 words).
I think Haiti was also a major help because, America was not an elite and wealthy country. But because of Haiti's slave rebellion we got about 1/2 of our country for very little money. Also buying the louisiana territory inspired America to buy more territory in westward expansion.
KENNETH O"HANLON
#1) All the countries that benefited from Haiti’s assistance and help, United States, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia, do in some way or another owe Haiti either a debt of gratitude or help in return. Without Haiti’s rebellion against France and the conquer of part of the island, the United States wouldn’t have been able to acquire the Louisiana Purchase for as little a price because the French would still have their military and economy supporting the French people living in the Louisiana Purchase. Without the Louisiana Purchase, the United States would have a hard time expanding westward and acquiring the other territories that became annexed to the United States and play important roles in today’s economy, for example, the mid-west grows a large sum of our nation’s crops. Without Haiti’s contributions towards South American countries, they may’ve never become an autonomy, which in a certain aspect would make them the slaves of another country. With the European powerhouses (France, Britain, Spain) reaping the benefits of these countries and their resources, it would’ve made it easy for the United States to be re-conquered by the British, or for the Spanish to recapture Mexico. I feel that in Haiti’s time of need (i.e. the earthquake) it provided an entire time for those countries that benefited to repay their dues and all pitch in to jumpstart the economy and government of Haiti.
I believe that countries, such as the United States, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia, that benefitted in some way from Haitian independence should be appreciative, but do not necessarily owe Haiti anything. It’s just the way it turned out. Proposing what could have happened offers interesting possibilities, but is futile because so many other events – either preceding or succeeding – are related. The United States may not have been able to purchase the Louisiana Territory from France for many reasons, not just Haiti not gaining its independence (which itself might not have happened if France hadn’t been at war, which might not have happened if Napoleon wasn’t emperor, etc.), such as someone else beside Thomas Jefferson being president and Spain still controlling Louisiana Territory. History is a continuous string of events, and if one event hypothetically changes, all the successive events also likely would have been altered.
However, despite not being indebted to Haiti, the United States still has a responsibility to help Haiti recover from its recent earthquake. This obligation is due to the United States’ status as the most powerful nation in the world, because “With great power comes great responsibility.” However, too much effort might be being focused on the humane side, at the expense of practicality. Houses and shelters might be being rebuilt, but are they just being built the same way that they were previously? Much of the damage in Haiti was due to the incredibly low standard of building codes, and rebuilding things in the same manner allows for future disasters to occur again, proving this rebuilding effort a waste of money.
Andrew Hausman
4th Hour
Kaylee Brown
Blog 18:
Yes, the countries of America and Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia owe Haiti something because Haiti helped all of these countries gain their independence more quickly. For the United States personally, we need to give back to them for everything they've done to support us. If not for what they've done for us, than because one of our world's countries is down. We are all one and you don't leave someone to drown in debt, poverty, famine, etc. If we wouldn't leave someone from our own country to drown, why should we leave Haiti alone to pick themselves up without anyone's help? It's clear they need the United States' help as well as other countries so we will do our part, despite the fact that they have done anything for us. I believe we are a very altruistic country and there are many other countries with similar qualities.
Brett Bernhardt
I think that the U.S. does not owe Haiti anything because they haven't done anything that directly helped us. Maybe if the Haitians did something in military forms that stopped us from getting invaded or something like that, but they didn't. The thing is we got the Louisiana Purchase when the French government was in a crisis and needed money and we had it. And no, we should not help Haiti or any other country because of the corrupt, socialist government of Haiti takes all the resources and aid from other countries for their own purposes and leaves the citizens of Haiti in absolute poverty and squalor. In conclusion, a kind thank you might be in enough for each of the other countries, but as for the United States of America, we do so much for everybody else that we need to start taking care of own back yard.
Brad Sloan
I think that we owe Haiti a little but not too much. Haiti did help us become as big as we are today in a way. If not for them we would possibly own half the property that we own to this day. Although they have helped us in the past, they also could have done something to reduce the problems the earthquake caused. They had a lot of time to do something to try and improve their buildings and safety to reduce the damage. The earthquake in Chile left much less damage and casualties because Chile was more prepared than Haiti. So we do owe Haiti some help, but they could have done more to help themselves more. We should give some temporary goods to give them a push to save their people, but after that we should let them do what they should have done earlier to prepare for a tragedy like this.
Crystal Thompson
5th Hour
1. I think that the countries of America and Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia do owe Haiti something. America owes Haiti because we greatly depended on Haiti’s independence. If it wasn’t for them I don’t think we would have gotten the Louisiana Territory. We have gotten a lot of benefits from the Louisiana Purchase. For the South African countries they would not be independent if it wasn’t for Simon Bolivar, who came from Haiti, they wouldn’t be an independent country. All of the sacrifice that the Haitian people made made our country what it is today. So how would we not owe Haiti without them we would be close to nothing without them the U.S would not have the Louisiana Territory and the South African countries would not have their independence. Imagine if Haiti did not help us parts of America would be French and some South African countries would not have their independence. So why not help them in their time of need?
Ben Hafen, 5th Hour
As Ambassador Joseph so eloquently stated, we--the United States--owe our gain of the Louisiana Territory to Haiti, and many South and Central American nations owe their independence to Haiti. Mr. Wickersham also told us that by extent, the United States also owe our gain of Florida from Spain to Haiti.
Of course, as with every situation, there are plenty of naysayers. They might claim that "We would've gotten Florida and Louisiana eventually", or that "Someone would have freed the South and Central Americans later on." That may be true. Using this reasoning, people could argue that we don’t owe Haiti anything. That may also be true, when viewed from a certain standpoint.
However, I believe that helping them is not a question of “What can we get in return?”, but “Is it the right thing to do?” The answer to that, in my opinion, is yes. The Haitians need help, and we are more than able to provide it.
In response to Declan’s comment about Haiti’s government: They had a stable government when the earthquake hit. Sure, said government needed working on, but it was perfectly stable. What would be the point of “helping” the Haitians gain something that they already have?
Cassidy Cyr
4.15.10
4th
I feel that we do owe Haiti something. They helped gain independence sooner than what was intended so we should be repaying the favor to the Haitians. We should not be helping Haiti only for the reason of repayment but also because we are Americans and we are so lucky to have the advanced resources, and technology that Haiti lacks. Since we have all these resources we should be passing them on. Same with Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia, they all are in MUCH better shape than Haiti, so sending help is not only kind but a human act. The earthquake in Haiti is the exact opportunity to pass on and possible teach the Haitians some of America’s advances to make life better.
I think all of the countries owe Haiti something. America for sure owes Haiti support and money to help them get back on track. If the Haitian slave revolt had not occurred there could have been many possible outcomes, most being negative. One thing that could have happened is America wouldn’t be as large as it is today, because they may not have been able to buy the Louisiana Territory. Another thing is the freedom and equality we have today, may have been restricted, or even taken away, if the United States was half its current size.
Other countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru also owe Haiti there support and help. After the rebellion there were many things that happened. First Bolivar was able to launch has campaign to free the countries of South America. Also the Spanish had a much harder time getting support troops in because they had to sail from Spain all the way to South America. If all the countries would just help a small amount, it would all add up, and Haiti would have a better chance at getting back on its feet.
I believe the countries of America, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia do owe Haiti a little, but we also do not at the same time. We do owe Haiti something because without them we may not have gained the Louisiana territory, and the South American countries may not have gained freedom. The United States could have potentially become French, or could have been wiped out as a country. Without Haiti, we may not even feel the feeling of strength and unity either. Without the Louisiana Territory, the U.S. may have felt weak and small, so we wouldn’t be a strong country. As for the no portion of my answer, Haiti has not seemed to do much for us financially. In fact, we seem to be the people giving Haiti money, whereas I feel we should help humanitarian efforts in our own country to strengthen ourselves first, and then help others. On an emotional contrast, we should help all humans in their time of mean.
Jenny Richter
The countries America, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, and Bolivia do owe Haiti something. Without the war for Haiti’s independence, today’s world would be drastically different. America would have had to fight France for the Louisiana territory or had to pay a very high price to get it. In fact, America might not have received the Louisiana Territory at all, because if the France hadn’t been cut off from their territory after losing Haiti, they probably would have kept it, settled it, and prospered. Maybe they would have eventually gotten around to attacking America and perhaps today we would still be under French rule. Haiti’s revolution greatly weakened France. Things already weren’t going so great with their own revolution there and they couldn’t afford to fight much for Haiti. And in losing Haiti, they lost the Louisiana Purchase as well and had to sell it. Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia do owe Haiti something as well because their revolt made it possible for Bolivar to come over and fight to help them win freedom from Spain. This is not quite as direct as the debt from America, because if there had been no Bolivar, they may still not be free. However, they are free, and do owe Haiti something. But just because they countries owe Haiti something, doesn’t mean they will give anything or enough to repay that debt.
I believe the countries of America, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti great tribute and as much help as they can possibly muster right now. If it weren’t for Haiti, the U.S. may have never purchased the Louisiana Territory, because they would have never gotten a price as low as they got if Haiti had not been in a war against the French at that time. The purchase of the Louisiana Territory has gained an unfathomable amount of wealth for our country in the long run, so the least the U.S. can do is lend as much money as they can to Haiti, because it still won’t even come close to the amount of money they made possible for us to make. The South American countries that Bolivar freed also owe as much help as they can to Haiti. Without Haiti, their countries may not even exist right now, and I’d say that that’s worth a little something in return.
Calvin Greer 4th Hour
Questions:
1. Do the countries of America and Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti anything? Why or why not?
Yes I think we do owe Haiti, for all they have done for us in the past to help us rise up and grow our country. That we owe them in their time of need like they helped us, it’s important to help them they’ve helped us now it’s our turn. It’s our time to help them allow them to use us as there “launching pad” for their army. We wouldn’t have gained our independence as quickly with out there help.
We wouldn’t have been as important in our history books until years later without Haiti’s help. Haiti helped us build into the America we have. Now that they need us we need to repay back the favor that they did us years ago. They were there for us then now its our turn to be there for them.
Maddie Feys
5th hour
Benjamin Sadler
I believe that the ambassador is right about how after the slave revoloted against the French, it did help us. Since the Haitians got french out of there, it would be too long and risky to sail from frace all the way to the L.A. Territory so they had to sell it. Thanks to the Haitians, we were able to buy the land and further more expand our country.
I think that the united states do owe Haiti something because without Haiti getting slavery illegal than the French wouldn’t of had to sell the nearly a third of what the U.S. is today. Haiti also helped us after we had bought the land because they had distracted any attack on the new land by starting the south American freedom tour. Making it so the U.S. had time to get a secure boarder that would make a attack harder for the Spanish although I think that we shouldn’t give Haiti too much credit for this because It wasn’t the country but people that were on it plus there was no actual threat that the Spanish would try to attack. If we do owe Haiti anything, then I think that we have paid them back by helping them get there country back in shape after the earthquake even though we didn’t need to.
Nick Morley
The Countries of Colombia, America, Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia all owe Haiti a bit of thanks. For the French, Haiti served as a key outpost for French troops and supplies. Without Haiti, any journey in the Americas becomes exponentially more dangerous. For example, if French troops decided to send reinforcements to the Louisiana territory If the US invaded it, the reinforcements would be greatly weakened due to disease and malnourishment on a crowded ship. An outpost in the “new world” would greatly strengthen the French military by refreshing troops before they landed in hostile territory. We can thank Haiti because once the uprising of the slaves occurred in Haiti, Napoleon sort of threw up his hands and said “screw it” because once Haiti was gone, the consequences of maintaining control in the Americas would far outweigh any benefits. As a result, Napoleon sold 565 million acres to the United states completely peacefully, and at a price of $15 million, it came out to be around 3 cents per acre.
Tom Power
I don’t think that the countries of America, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe Haiti anything. I think this because what happened happened for many reasons it is just fate, it is not someone or some countries fault it just happened. So none of these countries owe Haiti anything and they don’t owe us anything. If the slaves did not revolt than who know what would have happened, we might not have gained control the Louisiana territory or we might of gotten it any way who knows. There is no way that they can tell us that we owe them anything because we could of helped out the French and stopped the slave revolt and then the French would still own Haiti and slavery would eventually be stopped because it did in the rest of the world so why not there. This is why we do not owe them Haiti anything.
Erick Dagenais
5th hour
I don’t think America, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, and Bolivia own Haiti anything. Just because the French sold the land to the U.S. after Haiti’s independence, it doesn’t mean we should give back to Haiti. The French probably would have lost control of the Louisiana Purchase anyways and would have looked at selling it to the people closest to it. Napoleon also sold the Louisiana Purchase to pay back France’s National debts. He had lost interest in controlling land in North America and wanted to focus on making France itself better.
However, I do think America, Columbia, Venezuela, and Bolivia should help Haiti out. These countries are Haiti’s neighbors so transportation won’t be very costly opposed to a country on the other side of the planet. Haiti just suffered from a big earthquake and need some support. These four countries should encourage individuals to donate money to get Haiti back on its feet.
No, I do not think we owe Haiti anything for spreading freedom. Even though their revolution was a success, (fortunate for us), we do not owe them anything. When they revolted they were not thinking “This could really help the US", they were thinking about their own independence. Consequently, their independence would greatly impact ours. I do not think anyone else around the world owes Haiti anything either because of the same reason: they weren’t thinking of us. They were not trying to kick Spain out of the new world they were trying to kick Spain out of their own land.
For the earthquake in Haiti, We are there not because we owe them, but because its our national duty to help other countries in need. Just like we helped Tailand after the Tsunami in 2004, or helping find a prevent aids in Africa, We are helping Haiti not because we owe them but because its out national duty.
Alan P.
Nicholas Valentine
5th hour
The countries of America, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela and Bolivia owe Haiti, and we would not be as well off as we are today. If it was not for Haiti breaking away from France, and taking away France’s foothold in the Americas. Then we would not have the land gained in the Louisiana Purchase and The U.S.A would be half the size that it is.
We should also be helping Haiti to show the world that we support and live by the values that we preach. We need to have good values like (humanity, charity, empathy…). It is important to practice what you preach and lead by example.
Finally, it would be in our best interests to help them because if we let them fall down even lower, then they could become a lawless country. We would not want them to become the next Somalia with pirate raids, right in the Caribbean. Then terrorism would start to occur and terrorist groups would be able to launch attacks right off of our coast.
1. I think the countries of Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Bolivia and the United States do owe the Haitian people something. Peru, Columbia, Venezuela and Bolivia were controlled by the Spanish in early times. Haiti helped these countries and other countries in South America became free from Spanish rule. One time the French controlled Haiti. Haiti fought France and won independence. France and Spain controlled some parts of the United States when the French lost Haiti, they agreed to sell land they controlled in the United States. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. The Louisiana Purchase was important to the United States. The Haitians helped countries in South America get rid of Spain and helped the United States get rid of France.
Grace
Audrey Landgraff
4th Hour
1. In some ways people could possibly argue that, because the slave revolt eventually led to the Louisiana Purchase and the freedom of many other countries. But it happened so long ago I think our debt is sort of paid off. Although I’m not saying we shouldn’t help Haiti in their time of need. Even though our economy is in a terrible state, we are still a country that represents freedom and optimism, and because it is the right thing to do. Haiti has been in really bad shape for a very long time, and it’s now time to get it back up on their feet. The slave revolt was, however their choice, I mean we didn’t ask them to do it. So basically thanks Haiti, good job, you know for getting freedom, I guess.
America, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia should owe Haiti because they helped us as well as other countries if it wasn’t for Haiti, the United States would not be the same as it is today I feel that in Haiti’s need our help as well as other countries help. They helped us expand westward with the Louisiana Purchase so to help them with something like a earthquake would make us even and at least show Haiti that we care. Even though we do have fund raisers for Haiti we should have people helping in the shelters and helping clean up the streets. I also think if we had helped Haiti a long time ago they probably would be in the extreme poverty that there in today. So America, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia all chip in we can really help Haiti because America actually does owe them a helping hand. >Karly Montgomery<
Chase Turner
What do we owe Haiti? I Dont think that we owe Haiti a cent! what have they done to help out our nation? nothing! we helped them out during the earth quake to be nice! and helpful becuase of the devastating effects of the 7.0 earthquake that struck them. I dont think that the countries of Peru, Venezuela, Columbia and Bolivia owe them anything either. they may help them out wehen needed but in no way do they owe them anything whatsoever. But everyone should help each other out in the world, because that is the right thing todo. The united states of america does not owe them anything thats for sure. if anything they owe us for helping them out through there hard times, Haiti does happen to be the poorest country in the western hempisphere, so they need all of the money and help that they can find. But to summerize my blog i dont think that any country owes Hait anything at all.
Yes, America, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia owe their freedom to Haiti. They do because without Haiti or Francois Toussaint they could have been in slavery for much longer. Francois was the one who convinced France to make slavery illegal and after that more countries followed in its footsteps. In these countries after one country becomes free another will see it is possible and revolt, after that another and another causing a domino effect. Haiti was the first domino of many. Also because of Haiti we have half of America and freedom of the black community. They sparked a revolutionary turn around for the Americas and the entire world too. Other freedom fighters used Haiti to plan battles and station ships. There are so many reasons Haiti is important in the freedom of slaves today.
Michael N.
I think that we do owe Haiti something. If it wasn't for their uprising we wouldn't have any of the states west of the Mississippi. So i think that we owe them the help they deserve in their time of need,and that we should pay them back for what they have given us. They had a real impact on history when they revolted against the French. If they hadn't had that revolt Latin america would probably still be under Spanish and Portuguese rule and then america would be much smaller than it is today. and to summarize i think we should help Haiti for its own sake.
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