Debt Slavery as a Way of Life

The Haitian Slave Revolt ousted the French slave masters. They insisted on compensation in gold [150 millions francs] for their human "property." That was in 1821. By 1900 service of this debt absorbed 80% of Haiti's national product and it continued to cripple the economy. By the time Haiti retired this debt in 1947, she had accumulated many more.
From the beginning of the current earthquake catastrophe the French have urged other donor nations to give aid in the form of grants with no expectation of repayment. It was fitting for France to make this suggestion, as she has made the Haitians debt slaves for 189 years. It is arguable the Haitians were better treated when they they were held in physical bondage.
A similar case can be made for the population in many Third World nations. A web of international banks, cartels and holding companies have captured the economies of many former colonies. Virtually any setback can expand the debt burden for a less developed nation and, increasingly, for richer countries as well.
The debt burden expands yearly through administered rates of interest. The creditor always has the upper hand in dealings with the debtor who must endure natural and man made disasters. He is under the force of law to make repayment. In locales where regulation is weak and law enforcement is lax, the creditors can game the system shamefully. The debtors haven't a hope.
Throughout history many thinkers have put forward conspiracy theories to explain these disasters. Somehow, a small group can generate a war or a depression to serve personal interests. There are many groups that promote grandiose aspirations, but few that can implement even the most humble plan. Human beings are simply not that clever.
Debt Slavery as a Way of Life
The French slave owners had no idea the reparations would continue until 1947. Few of them would have wished the curse of slavery to continue for 189 years. Certainly, the newly freed slaves imagined rosier prospects. We live in a world of unintended consequences.