Haiti's Crucial Role in Latin American Independence

“Did you know that the République d’Haïti played a critical role in shaping the course of Latin

American independence — and most people don’t know this.” After becoming the first Black republic

in 1804, Simón Bolívar — who would go on to liberate much of South America

— fled into exile, desperate for help. In 1815, he arrived in République d’Haïti,

seeking support for his revolution against Spanish rule. President Alexandre

Pétion didn’t just offer moral support. He provided Bolívar with weapons, ships,

and soldiers, helping him plan the next phase of his campaign. But Pétion had one

firm condition: wherever Bolívar succeeded in liberating territories, he had to abolish