HaïtiThe Taíno Era
Before the arrival of Europeans, Haïti was inhabited by the Taíno people who lived in harmony. Their existence was intertwined with the bounty of the forests, rich in fruit trees, which freed them from hard agricultural work. Fishing and hunting were their main means of subsistence, supplemented by the cultivation of potatoes, corn and cassava. Unlike some neighbors in the Lesser Antilles, they did not practice cannibalism.
The Taíno practiced barter, exchanging agricultural products, fish, stone tools, and crafts. Their society was based on values of respect for nature, and trade was a way to maintain ties with other indigenous groups in the Caribbean.
Nature was their home, and they revered it through their customs and daily lives. Black, straight hair cascaded over their shoulders, a testament to their great natural beauty. Until the age of 18, they walked naked, tattooing their bodies with roucou, a rite of passage in their society. The women wore pagne or tanga, a simple outfit that reflected their connection to the land.
Dance was their most vibrant form of expression, a way to celebrate life and communicate with the spirits of their environment. The island had many names for them: Boyo, Quisqueya, Haiti, all names that resonated with the very essence of their existence.
Their languages were diverse, derived from a mother tongue, but without a writing system to preserve them, they eventually faded over time. Despite this, words of Indian origin such as coui, hamac, guanes, matoutou, macana, rapadou and others continue to resonate in the everyday language, recalling the lasting imprint left by these first inhabitants on the island.
HaïtiSpanish Colonization (1492-1697)
The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of Spanish colonization and the radical transformation of the economic structure of Hispaniola. Columbus, having discovered small quantities of gold, encouraged the Spanish to exploit the resources of the island. Under Spanish rule, the Taínos were forced to work in gold mines and plantations, leading to a rapid decline in their population due to diseases and inhumane working conditions.
Spanish trade in Haïti (then Hispaniola) focused mainly on gold and the export of natural resources. However, when the gold mines were exhausted and the Taíno population had drastically declined, the Spanish gradually lost interest in the island. They turned to importing African slaves to support agriculture, marking the beginning of a slave trade that would profoundly influence Haiti’s history.
HaïtiFrench Colonization (1697-1804): Santo Domingo, a Prosperous Commercial Center
In 1697, through the Treaty of Ryswick, Spain ceded the western part of the island to the French, who named it Santo Domingo. This territory became one of the most prosperous colonies in the world thanks to a flourishing plantation economy based on sugar cane, coffee, cotton, and indigo. European demand for these products propelled Saint-Domingue to become the world’s leading supplier of sugar, and the French increased the importation of African slaves to meet the needs of this economy.
French trade was based primarily on the economic model of the “Atlantic slave trade.” Between 1700 and 1790, hundreds of thousands of African slaves were forcibly transported to Saint-Domingue. This cruel exploitation allowed France to become wealthy, making Saint-Domingue a strategic economic colony. This unequal trade created a deeply divided society based on slavery, racial hierarchy, and violence.
HaïtiThe Haitian Revolution (1791-1804): Collapse of the Colonial Economy
The Haitian Revolution of 1791 marked a turning point in the history of trade in Haiti. Inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, the slaves of Saint-Domingue revolted against their oppressors. This uprising disrupted the colonial economic model based on slavery and gradually weakened Saint-Domingue’s flourishing trade.
After more than a decade of bloody fighting and sacrifice, Haïti became the world’s first free black republic in 1804. However, this independence brought economic upheaval. Due to pressure from the former colonial powers, Haïti was forced to pay financial compensation to France in 1825 for its independence to be officially recognized, which heavily affected its economy.
The end of slavery and the break with colonial trade pushed Haïti to seek new trading partners. However, the diplomatic and economic isolation imposed by colonial nations hindered Haiti’s access to global markets, forcing it to develop local livelihoods.
HaïtiIndependence and its Aftermath: Towards a New Economy
After independence, Haïti sought to develop a self-sufficient economy, although heavily impacted by the payment of the debt imposed by France. This situation pushed the country to refocus on food crops such as coffee, which became one of Haiti’s main exports. However, the Haitian economy experienced a slow decline due to international sanctions, accumulated debts, and political instability.
Post-independence Haitian trade was characterized by resistance to colonial economic dependence, but also by ongoing economic challenges. Haiti’s efforts to trade with other nations and stabilize its economy have reflected its desire to preserve its hard-won independence and national identity.
HaïtiLegacy and Resilience
Haiti’s commercial history, from the Taíno to independence, is an odyssey of transformation and freedom struggles. From the peaceful trade of the Taíno to the slave trade imposed by the colonizers, Haïti has endured periods of economic oppression and colonial extraction. Despite the challenges, the country has preserved its integrity and unique culture.
Today, Haïti continues its fight for a sustainable and equitable economy. Trade remains a vital aspect of the nation’s survival, supported by a population proud of its heritage and resilience in the face of adversity. This story of endurance, struggle for justice and quest for economic autonomy continues to inspire and remind the world of the determination of Haiti, the first free black nation in the world.
