Statecraft & Independence
Household Name
François Duvalier
1907 – 1971
'Papa Doc', president for life from 1957 to 1971
Household Name is level 4 of 4 in the Haiti Hall of Fame: known and loved across the country, whatever the body of work behind it. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
A country doctor who was elected president in 1957 and turned the office into a hereditary dictatorship.
Duvalier declared himself president for life in 1964 and was succeeded on his death by his son, Jean-Claude.
His rule relied on the Tonton Macoute militia; tens of thousands of Haitians were killed and many more driven into exile. He is included for his place in history, not as an example.
His rule relied on the Tonton Macoute militia; tens of thousands of Haitians were killed and many more driven into exile. He is included for his place in history, not as an example.
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