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.

Elected in 1957

Backed by the Army, Duvalier won the 1957 Haitian elections; he had campaigned as a populist leader, using a noirist strategy of challenging the mulatto elite and appealing to the Afro-Haitian majority.

Related Topics:
1957 - Mulatto

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Duvalier revived the traditions of vodun and later used them to consolidate his power, claiming to be a hougan himself. Duvalier deliberately modeled his image on that of Baron Samedi in an effort to make himself even more imposing; he often donned sunglasses and talked with the strong nasal tone associated with the Loa.

Related Topics:
Vodun - Baron Samedi

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