Author: Charles River Editors
Narrator: Daniel Houle
Unabridged: 1 hr 46 min
Format: Digital Audiobook
Publisher: Findaway Voices
Published: 10/25/2020
Genre: History - Americas (north, Central, South, West Indies)
To date, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, and one of the poorest in the world. Numerous government coups have taken place over the years, and insecurity and periodic unrest have been a perpetual blight. Poverty and crime are widespread, and corruption endemic. Besides that, as a weak and impoverished nation, Haiti has been subject to outside interference, both direct and indirect, mainly on the part of the United States, which frequently introduced efforts to destabilize an already unstable political environment, and in the age of the Cold War, to sustain and justify dictatorship in exchange for the nominal loyalty of Haiti in the face of Soviet activities in Cuba.
The 30-year regime of Papa and Baby Doc Duvalier, who ruled between 1957 and 1986, was arguably the most repressive in the Western hemisphere. During this period a substantial portion of the Haitian budget was made up of foreign aid, in particular from the United States ($15 million annually), with whom, during the term of President John F. Kennedy, Duvalier had a difficult and often fractious relationship. Millions of dollars of foreign aid was openly appropriated by the Duvalier family, and in the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination (which Duvalier claimed was as a result of a curse placed on the president by him), the government of the United States took a pragmatic view of the Duvalier regime as pro-West in the context of the Cold War.
The amazing immediacy of yesterday's headlines brings to life the sinking of that magnificent luxury liner, the Titanic. Re-live the trauma with the people of New York as they await the fatal conclusion of the worst maritime disaster of all time.
History expert David McCullough speaks with The New Yorker’s Adam Gopnik about his latest book, The Greater Journey, which details the impact generations of Americans travelling to Paris in the 19th century had on the U.S. upon their return.
This book is about Egypt and how its people lived during their time. This book reveals the secrets of the captivating world of Ancient Egypt, the intriguing stories of its celebrities. You’ll learn about mighty gods and the magical link betwe...
Hispaniola entered the European record in 1492 when Christopher Columbus made landfall on its southern shore during his first trans-Atlantic voyage, and he named his discovery in honor of the Spanish Crown that had funded and sponsored the voyage. ...
Indigenous groups settling in Mesoamerica had different languages, political and social organizations, traditions, and beliefs; however, there were a series of traits that included the use and consumption of many food sources present throughout the...
A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies published in 1552 by the Spanish Dominican priest Bartolome de las Casas, lays bare the Spanish cruelties in America. Though generally condemned as slander in Spain, A Short Account of the Destruction...
These thought-provoking teachings from respected American leaders and thinkers provide a connection with the land, the environment, and the simple beauties of life. American Wisdom - 750 Great American Quotes and Sayings offers timeless, meaningful ...
In a truly remarkable personal diary, this singular Union General details his commission, the formation of the army he commanded, and the battles he fought. So compellingly vivid, you'll almost smell the pungent aroma of black powder drifting over t...
“As far as cities go, Havana is a festering treasure chest, a primary color...” – Brin-Jonathan Butler, Cuban-Canadian author A trip to Havana, Cuba, otherwise known as the “City of Columns,” tops many bucket lists for...