Self-Determining Haiti

A compelling snapshot of a pivotal moment in Caribbean history, this collection brings together four investigative articles first published in 1920. The pieces, originally printed in a prominent magazine, lay bare the United States’ early‑twentieth‑century venture into Haiti, exposing the clash between proclaimed humanitarian motives and the stark realities of military rule.

Through vivid reporting and official documents, the narrative reveals how American troops were deployed, how civilian casualties mounted, and how powerful financial interests—most notably a New York bank controlling Haiti’s national funds—shaped policy from behind the scenes. Diplomatic exchanges and secret conventions illustrate the tension between public statements of aid and the underlying drive for control.

Listening to these first‑hand accounts offers a clear window into the forces that shaped Haiti’s struggle for self‑determination, inviting reflection on how history’s power dynamics echo in today’s global affairs.