Jean-Pierre Boyer vs Pedro Aguirre Cerda

Jean-Pierre Boyer led Haitian forces into the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo, unifying the entire island of Hispaniola under Haitian rule. This ended the short-lived independent state of Spanish Haiti and established Boyer's control over the whole island for 22 years.

Boyer signed an ordinance with France recognizing Haitian independence in exchange for a 150 million franc indemnity to compensate former French colonists. This massive debt crippled Haiti's economy for generations and was later reduced to 90 million francs.

Boyer implemented the Rural Code, a set of laws forcing Haitian peasants to remain on plantations and work under state supervision. The code restricted movement, required labor passes, and tied workers to the land, effectively recreating a system of forced labor.

A rebellion led by Charles Rivi

Aguirre Cerda won the presidency as the candidate of the Popular Front coalition, a left-wing alliance. His victory marked the first time a center-left government came to power in Chile.

Aguirre Cerda created CORFO to promote industrialization and economic development. The agency played a key role in building infrastructure, supporting industry, and reducing dependence on foreign goods.

Aguirre Cerda, a teacher, prioritized education. His government built schools, increased teacher salaries, and expanded access to primary and secondary education, particularly in rural areas.