Price-Mars and the Governmental Transformations of 1933–5

Abstract

Price-Mars’ vision of the future of Haiti would not be fulfilled in the years from 1933 through 1935. During this period the US military occupation came to an end, but this did not bring with it the realization of Price-Mars’ hopes for social change, economic development, and responsible representative democracy. Instead, he and his associates in the Senate failed in their struggle with the President to preserve representative government. Eventually, a new Constitution strengthened presidential powers and left President Vincent in control of a country in which authoritarianism and lack of the will to achieve reform would continue to be the dominant features of Haitian life for more than half a century. During this period of governmental transformation, Price-Mars continued to carry on his political and scholarly activities and to experience both expectation and frustration in his attempt to influence the future of Haiti.