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The Society of Friends of the Blacks is founded in Paris, one of the first abolitionist organization in western history. Saint Domingue is the most productive sugar plantation on the planet, home to 38,000 enslaved people on 8,000 plantations
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French Estates General declare intent to not dispand and to write new constitution
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Passed by Estates General
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Mixed race delegation led by Vincent Oge demands rights in Saint-Domingue, and subsequently rebels. Oge is executed soon afterwards
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Constituent Assembly of France gives full rights to free blacks and people of mixed race
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An enslaved plantation worker named Boukman performs a semi-legendary nighttime vodou ceremony calling for rebellion. Sparks large scale violence
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French officials arrive on the Island with an army with the goal of restoring order. They pledge their support to the newly enfranchised free blacks. Enslaved people have still not been emancipated
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Commissioner Sonthonax emancipates 15,000 enslaved people (essentially the entire northern section of the island) for their aid in defeating rebelling white planters
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No official political support has been given, but Sonthonax has proclaimed his intention to free all enslaved people, and almost all white planters have been deported
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With Spanish backing, Toussaint Louverture consolidates effective control of the northern half of the island.
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The French National Assembly officially abolishes slavery and enfranchises all people living within the empire as citizens, regardless of race