Here is a brief history of Haiti (27:36) that gives the essential background to understanding its major contribution to the fight against slavery and oppression in the Western Hemisphere. Historic footage combined with extensive commentary by Aline Lauture (Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti) and Lionel Jean-Baptiste (Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti). Looks at the emergence of Haiti as a nation through the successful rebellion of African slaves there (the first of its kind in the West), establishing the first Black republic of former slaves. This also presented a threat to the system of slavery elsewhere, which lead to various international attempts to economically strangle the new republic. The video shows the relation of the Haitian revolt to early 19th century U.S. history, the French connection with the Louisiana Purchase, and activities of Haitian revolutionary ex-slaves in U.S. southern states prior to the Civil War. Discussion covers the Duvalier era, neo-liberal policies affecting Haiti, Clinton's promoting privatization there and IMF policies that today cast their shadow over the island nation. Produced by Labor Beat. Labor Beat is a CAN TV Community Partner. Labor Beat is a non-profit 501(c)(3) member of IBEW 1220. Views are those of the producer Labor Beat. For info: mail@laborbeat.org, www.laborbeat.org. 312-226-3330. For other Labor Beat videos, visit Google Video, YouTube, or blip.tv and search "Labor Beat". Labor Beat has regular cable slots in Chicago, Evanston, Rockford, Urbana, IL; St. Louis, MO; Princeton, NJ; and Rochester, NY. For more detailed information, send us a request at mail@laborbeat.org Less