 Haiti's first century of independence was characterised by political instability, ostracism by the international community and the payment of a crippling debt to France.Political volatility and foreign economic influence in the country prompted the United States to occupy the country from 1915–1934.Following a series of short-lived presidencies, François 'Papa Doc' Duvalier took power in 1956, ushering in a long period of autocratic rule that was continued by his son Jean-Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier that lasted until 1986; the period was characterised by state-sanctioned violence against the opposition and civilians, corruption and economic stagnation.