François Duvalier

François Duvalier known as "Papa Doc" (possibly April 14, 1907 - April 21, 1971) was the President of Haiti from 1957 and later dictator (President for Life) from 1964 until his death. His rule was marked by autocracy, corruption, and reliance on private armies (see Tonton Macoute) to maintain power.

Early life

Born in Port-au-Prince to a family from Martinique, he was raised and trained as a doctor, serving in rural areas. There he won acclaim for helping the poor fight typhus and other diseases. He married Simone Ovide in 1939, and became director general of the national health service in 1946. In 1949, he served as minister of both health and labor. After opposing the coup of Paul Magloire, he was forced into hiding until an amnesty in 1956.

Related Topics:
Port-au-Prince - Martinique - Typhus - Simone Ovide - 1939 - 1946 - 1949 - Paul Magloire - Amnesty - 1956

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