In 1957, Francois Duvalier, nicknamed Papa Doc, was a poltical leader and physician. In 1964 he declared himself president for life. Duvalier established a dictatorship based on secret policce known as the Tontons Macoutes, his regime oversas military and governmental purges, mass executions, and the institution of curfews. Duvalier change the flag to the new red and black to symbolize the link between Haiti and Africa ( eventually was change back to red/blue).

When Duvalier was close to his death, he named his son Jean Claude Duvalier as his successor. Th 19-years old Duvalier became the next president after the death of his father on April 21, 1971. Life under Baby Dov was slightly better for the Haitian people than before. Finally, Baby Doc was exiled to France.