Alexandre Pétion of the Republic of Haiti…

Alexandre Pétion of the Republic of Haiti is made president for life in 1816.

The people of southern Haiti, freed from the burden of producing a surplus for the plantation owners, now produce only enough for their own needs, and the resulting slowdown in the economy has led to galloping inflation.

Pétion's regime is also marked by continual struggles with the kingdom of northern Haiti and with dissident generals in his own country.