Historical Events tagged with "caribbean"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Beechcraft 1900 Crash in Belle Anse

December 7th, 1995 29 years ago

A Beechcraft 1900 belonging to An Air Saint Martin crashed near Belle Anse, Haiti, resulting in the tragic loss of 20 lives. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from the local airstrip as it was en route to Port-au-Prince. Initial investigations suggested potential mechanical failures as contributing factors to the mishap. Local authorities, along with representatives from the aviation community, responded to the incident site to conduct investigations and recover the victims.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Soufrière Hills Volcano Erupts on Montserrat

July 18th, 1995 29 years ago

The Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, beginning a series of devastating eruptions on Montserrat. Initiating in 1995, this geological activity destroyed the capital city, Plymouth, and forced the evacuation of a significant portion of the island's population. The eruptions released ash clouds and pyroclastic flows, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure and homes. This natural disaster significantly impacted the island's economy and caused social and cultural disruptions, forcing many residents to relocate permanently.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Coup d'état in Haiti Overthrows Democratically Elected Leader

September 29th, 1991 33 years ago

A coup d'état occurred in Haiti, overthrowing President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The military, dissatisfied with Aristide’s reform efforts, seized power, leading to massive unrest. This abrupt change destabilized the nation and was marked by violence and political strife. Aristide's fall from power was a result of both military intervention and public discontent concerning economic conditions and political suppression. The coup ignited a series of international reactions and sanctions against the military regime, further complicating Haiti's intricate political landscape.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Jean-Bertrand Aristide Takes Office as President

February 7th, 1991 34 years ago

Jean-Bertrand Aristide was sworn in as Haiti's first democratically elected president in a ceremony held in Port-au-Prince, marking a historic moment for the nation after years of dictatorship and political turmoil. Aristide, a former priest, campaigned on a platform of social justice and improved living conditions for Haiti's impoverished population. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by international dignitaries and Haitian citizens hopeful for a new beginning. This moment symbolized hope for democracy and change in a country that had seen much political violence.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Coup d'état Against President Henri Namphy

September 18th, 1988 36 years ago

General Prosper Avril led a coup d'état that ousted General Henri Namphy from the presidency of Haiti, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Namphy had taken power in 1986 after the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship, but his presidency faced increasing unrest and dissatisfaction. The coup occurred amid growing tensions and challenges in governing, ultimately leading to Avril's assumption of leadership as the military's choice to restore order.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Hurricane Gilbert's Record-Breaking Strength

September 13th, 1988 36 years ago

Hurricane Gilbert formed in the Caribbean Sea and became a powerful Category 5 hurricane, reaching peak winds of 185 mph while featuring an exceptionally low barometric pressure of 888 mb. It made landfall in Jamaica and later in Mexico, causing widespread damage. Gilbert was the strongest recorded hurricane in the Western Hemisphere at that time, noted for its size and intensity.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Hurricane Gilbert Strikes Jamaica and Mexico

September 12th, 1988 36 years ago

Hurricane Gilbert formed in September and made landfall in Jamaica, causing significant destruction. After impacting Jamaica, it took a course towards Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The storm was recorded as one of the most powerful hurricanes of its time, leading to immense economic losses estimated at around $5 billion, affecting the infrastructure and economy of the impacted regions severely.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Leslie Manigat Ousted by Coup Led by Henri Namphy

June 20th, 1988 36 years ago

In June 1988, Haitian President Leslie Manigat was ousted in a military coup led by Lieutenant General Henri Namphy. The coup was motivated by political instability and dissatisfaction with Manigat's leadership, which followed a brief period of democratic governance after years of dictatorship. The coup took place in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, resulting in the suspension of the constitution and the establishment of Namphy's military rule, marking yet another chapter in Haiti's tumultuous political history.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

End of Duvalier Family Dictatorship in Haiti

February 7th, 1986 39 years ago

President Jean-Claude Duvalier fled Haiti amid widespread civil unrest and political turmoil. After ruling for nearly 29 years, his departure marked the collapse of the infamous Duvalier dynasty. The Haitian populace, frustrated with poverty and oppression, responded with protests and demands for democratic reform, leading to Duvalier's hasty exit on a United States plane.

Continue Reading