US Once Again Amid Haiti's Troubled History

1804: Republic formed after slave revolt expels French rulers.

1849-1913: United States Navy ships enter Haitian waters 24 times to protect US lives and property.

1915: After unpopular leader is killed, US President Wilson sends Marines to stabilize country, enforce foreign debt obligations. US-designed Constitution allows foreign ownership of land.

1934: President Roosevelt withdraws US troops after 19-year occupation that improved roads and formed a National Guard, progenitor of today's military.

1957: Francois ``Papa Doc'' Duvalier is elected president; he creates private militia (Tonton Macoutes), names himself president-for-life in 1964 and his son as successor in 1971.

1966-1981: Assembly operations for US corporations grow rapidly from 13 companies in 1966 to 154 firms 15 years later.

1981: Reagan administration introduces new interdiction policy, allowing US to repatriate Haitian boat people.

1986: Unrest over repressive rule forces Jean-Claude ``Baby Doc'' Duvalier to flee. Army Gen. Henri Namphy succeeds him.

Dec. 16, 1990: After one aborted vote, election held in which populist priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide wins 67 percent of vote.

Feb. 7, 1991: Aristide becomes president, vowing to put military under civilian control. He names Raoul Cedras as Army leader.

Sept. 30, 1991: Aristide exiled by military coup. Organization of American States demands his return and imposes embargo.

February 1992: OAS-sponsored talks deadlock as Aristide insists General Cedras be imprisoned or exiled; the de facto government calls for amnesty and a lifting of the embargo.

July 3, 1993: Aristide and Cedras sign a UN/OAS-brokered agreement at Governors Island, N.Y., calling for Aristide to name prime minister and return by Oct. 30, Cedras to resign with amnesty, and lifting of embargo.

Oct. 11, 1993: Clinton orders US ship with noncombat troops withdrawn after military supporters protest at dock. Embargo reimposed four days later. UN rights monitors leave country.

Feb. 15, 1994: Aristide rejects US plan of new prime minister, amnesty for military leaders, no date for Aristide's return.

May 11-16, 1994: Military-backed Emile Jonassaint named provisional president, chooses Cabinet without prime minister.

June 10, 1994: Clinton tightens sanctions, announcing end to US commercial air traffic on June 25, financial transaction ban.

July 31, 1994: UN Security Council votes to authorize use of force, clearing the way for US-led invasion.

Sept. 18-19 1994: Port-au-Prince accord signed, requiring military leaders to resign by Oct. 15; US troops land in Port-au-Prince to keep peace.