Issue and opponent: Haitian’s civilians targeted the Government of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. Jean-Claude Duvalier came to power after his father Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who came to power in 1957, died in 1971. During both presidential regimes, there were no elections held. Inspired by his father’s use of the secret police Jean-Claude, formed the Volunteers for National Security to use violence against citizens to keep the population subservient. During this time, Hati was the poorest country in the Western hemisphere receiving 70% of its budget comprising foreign aid from the United States. Civilians were experiencing widespread starvation and increasing unemployment.
Dilemma Action: On January 13th, 1986, opposition leaders and activists called for a general strike. Due to the widespread strike, Duvalier suspended certain civil liberties and he traveled the country to show his widespread control. Despite Duvalier’s demands to have businesses proceed during the strikes, stores, and businesses stayed closed and ignored his demands for several days in early February.
Outcome: Duvalier eventually fled to France on February 7th and set up the National Governing Council to rule the country after his exile. Businesses defied direct government orders to remain open, and their doing so weakened the position of the government, to the point that the protester’s demand for Duvalier’s removal came to fruition. Several protest attempts proceeded the strikes by businesses. In November 1985, activists held a protest, and in response, national troops shot at protesters and killed three students. On January 7th, 1986, following a school break, students continued to protest the repressive government, and the army declared they would turn against Duvalier if he did not reverse his policies. In response, Duvalier declared a nationwide day of mourning for the students killed during a protest in November 1985, and he drove around the capital throwing money from his car window.