[Siffidiolla]

can you shed some light on why Haiti paid all that money to the French?

I'm not HB but have researched this topic somewhat.

Some of the sources I have read say their was a blockade by the French, a threat of one or that it was a requirement of the French in order that they be recognized. The threat of blockade of course would make it difficult for Haiti to export it's lumber and sugar.

At any rate, no matter what it was, Haiti had good relations with it's Southern neighbors in previous years and even had somewhat of a relationship (at least not belligerent)with the States in that they negotiated part of a resettlement of former slaves to Haiti.

I believe the Haitian leader Boyer overacted to the perceived French threat given that there was no way the French were going to invade again. He could have sold his products to Europe via South American countries or elsewhere if he had really tried. I have postulated that it could be because of the Haitian apparent distrust of foreigners, most especially white ones, may have intimidated him into making a rash judgment instead of exploring all his other options thoroughly. I could be wrong though.

Nonetheless, for whatever reason he chose to repay France's debt I don't think it was a good calculated decision based on the sources I have read.