Christophe
Christophe is the ruling house of Haiti. The house was established by Henri I upon the death of his father-in-law, Jean-Pierre Boyer in 1850.
History
The appointment of Jean I as king in 1819 was reluctant at first. His predecessor, Alexander Petion, had declined taking the throne on multiple occasions as he was partially afraid of angering Gran Colombia and Simon Bolivar. However, as Jean was effectively President for life, the government of Haiti offered him the crown in the style of America and Britain, the two largest supporters of Haitian independence. Their support came largely from the desire to diminish French and Napoleon influence in the Americas.
Upon the failing health of Jean, the Congress of Haiti did not support the crowning of one of his daughters. As there remained a significant opposition to his reign, he invited the son of his rival, Henri Christophe, into negotiations. Jean offered Henri the throne if he agreed to marry Jean's daughter, and agreed to take limitations as described by the constitution. Henri agreed, and was accepted by the Congress as Henri I of House Christophe.
Demography and Population
The demographics of Haiti are complex and have been since the inception of the nation. After the occupation and annexation of the Spanish half of the island of Hispaniola, the Haitian government has had opposition to their rule. In 1851, Henri I married his son, Henri II, to Clemenia Antonia Bobadilla, daughter of prominent Dominican politician Tomas Bobadilla, in an effort to quell tensions. The plan was a success, and the Spanish residents became equal to the French population.
Henri II expanded the borders of Haiti to the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, increasing the French population. Henri II also annexed the territory of French Guyana, but sold it to Brazil. He then used the money to further stabilize the Haitian economy and increase funding for the navy.
Pierre I further increased the prestige of the House of Christophe when he entered in the Spanish-American War on the side of America. During the treaty negotiations, he used the tension against American expansionism to annex the island of Puerto Rico. This saw the increase of the Spanish population of the nation. Pierre I later declared Spanish and French to be joint official languages.
Foreign Relations
Haiti has always been a close ally of the Kingdom of America, and has modeled much of its political and economic basis on their example.
The Empire of Brazil has also been a close ally, after an alliance negotiated during the transfer of French Guyana. Haiti had been an influence on Brazil, particularly to pressure Emperor Pedro I to stay in the Americas instead of returning to Portugal. Haiti had also joined in placing pressure on Brazil to hasten the abolition of slavery.
Founding Date
1850
Type
Court, Royal
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Leader Title
Founders
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Related Ranks & Titles
Neighboring Nations
Comments