Notes on GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY IN THE WILSON ERA: THE U.S. NAVY IN HAITI, 1915-1916

By David Healy

Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1976
ISBN: 0-299--6980-X

Notes by Bob Corbett
1988

INTRODUCTION

• P. 3-6
  This book is a case study to illucidate Wilsonian Caribbean policy. Healy maintains it was not a policy of general principle, but ad hoc and extemporaneous. U.S. / relations U.S. relations
• p. 6.

  "As was usual in American practice, it was accomplished through improvisation on the spot rather than prior planning, and the commanding admiral acted virtually without guidance until some of the crucial decisions had been made."

CHAP. 1: INTRODUCING HAITI AND THE CRUISER SQUADRON

• p. 7-16
  Read Admiral William B. Carpenton, commander of Atlantic Fleet's Cruiser Squadron on flagship Washington.
• US policy was that the Caribbean was an American lake and that relative stability was needed to insure American safety. Nicaragua, D.R. and haiti and Mexico were especially troublesome.

CHAP 2: REVOLUTION IN HAITI. P. 17-42

• p. 21 structure of revolutions
  • hierarchial caco army
  • wared for a tiny % of sum given + rights to plunder
  • cost about $30,000 to $50,000 each
  • foreign business men risked capital for double or triple return
• p. 28. Haitian government had almost nothing. The National Bank was run by foreigners who received customs duties to pay loan debts and service. Little was left over.
• p. 31. Dec. 17, 1914 Marines forcibly removed $500,000 in gold bullion to N.Y. for "safe keeping."
• p. 32-33. Oct. 1914 the Hancock carried 800 marines to land and save Zamor, but they arrived too late. U.S. wanted a custom's receivership in exchange for security, like they had in D.R.
• p. 36. Many PaP politicians tried to force U.S. entry to gain from it.

CHAP 3: THE FALL OF GUILLAUME SAM

• p. 43-61.
• p. 43 June, 1915 French troops had landed in Cap Haitien
• p. 49-51 Caperton forbade Babo and government troops from fighting in OKap. When fighting broke out outside the city he went to investigate with 600 soldiers. (July 6, 1915).
• p. 60. July 28, 1915 the invasion took place.

CHAP 4: FIRST DAYS OF THE HAITIAN INTERVENTION

• p. 62-81.
• p. 63. "...Caperton was authorized to act at his own discretion." (by Navy Dept. who also promised a small support force of marines.
• p. 69. description of newspapers ' response to the occupation.
• p. 70. French sent marines too to protect their violated legation.

CHAP 5: TIGHTENING THE GRIP

• p. 82-101.

CHAP 6: ELECTION OF A PRESIDENT

• p. 102--117.
• p. 106 Dartiguenave was prepared as president, to cede Mole St. Nicolas

CHAP 7: PUBLIC OPTION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY

• p. 118-132.
• p. 163. Colonel Littleton W.T. Waller and Major Smedley Butler were the marines who began the hostilities with Cacos.
• p. 216. Strongest criticisms of occupation:
  • forced treaty, then refused its terms.
  • extended authority by force and threat
  • military autocracy of U.S.
  • racism.

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