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Before The Revolution
Landowners imported an alarming amount of African slaves into French Colony of Saint-Domingue (modern day Haiti) to work on the vast sugar plantations. This was needed as one third of all French foriegn trade ran through Saint-Domingue. By 1789, the population was roughly 556,000. 500,000 of which where African slaves, the minuscule rest being either European colonist or affranchis (mixed African and European descent). -
Rising Tension
The racist society, brutality of slave owners, and the unrest created by the French Revolution caused serious displeasure within the 500,000 strong african slave population. A man by the name of Vincent Ogé led an uprising in late 1790 but was captured and tortured before being executed for his actions. However, this was an important foundation in which a revolution was born. -
The Revolution Begins
During the French Revolution the European settlers within Saint Domingue wanted the right to govern themselves, however they did not want to permit the blacks to have legal and political equality. By May, 1791 civil war broke out between the French colonist and the African slaves. -
The Uprising Expands
In August of 1791, around twelve thousand slaves set about killing white settlers, destroying the land, and burning their homes. Within the next few weeks, the rebels had recruited about 100,000 slaves into their uprising. Saint Domingue quickly fell into chaos as the battles waged on. -
Toussaint L'Ouverture Joins The Revolt
Former slave and effective military leader, Toussaint L'Overture led the Haitian Revolution. When the slave revolt broke out in 1791, Toussaint L'Ouverture left his plantation and joined the rebels. Toussaint was a proficient organizer and went on to build a strong, well controlled army out of the slaves. He even got French, Spanish, and British forces to fight against one another. -
Backup is Called
In 1792, French reinforcements arrived in hopes to restore order throughout the destructed and chaotic land. Evidently, they were not succesful and the mayhem caused by the revolting slaves continued on. -
The Revolution Continues
By 1793, Toussaint had built a very strong army and by around 1797 he led an army of twenty thousand that controlled Saint-Domingue. By this point, Toussaint had gained recognition as a great military organizer within the revolution. -
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A Slight Break
During this time there were several small battles and negotiations that transpired, however there were no pivitol events that took place. The conclusion of the revolutin was soon to come. -
Constitution Is Formed
In 1801, Toussaint produced a constitution that allowed equality and citizenship to all residents. He declared complete independence of Haiti from France. Plantations were separated into equal parts and land was distributed to former slaves and free blacks. -
Battle of Ravine-à-Couleuvres
The Battle of Ravine-à-Couleuvres showed the Strength and resillence of the Haitian army. A French division was headed toward Lacroix when they advanced upon Toussaints army. While being out -numerd Toussaints army resisted the attack well. However, they were eventually forced to reatreat across the Petite-Rivière. Yet, Toussaint was not finished.The following morning, the Haitian forces advanced onto the French, ambushing them as they were travelling towards Lacroix. Haitian loses were minor. -
Battle of Crête-à-Pierrot
The battle took place at the Crête-à-Pierrot fort near Saint-Marc, Haiti. The fort was in a critical location as it allowed access to nearby mountains. The first attempt by the French to gain control of the fort was a failure and cost them a lost of 480. Ten days later, the French attempted to take the fort once again which led to another 300 deaths. Eventually, the Haitians withdrew due to heavy loses, but still showed that they could inflict heavy damage to the French. -
The Death of Toussaint
Toussaint tried to work with the French gradually but was betrayed. France promised Haiti independence only if Toussaint would abdicate. However, Napoleon had him captured and executed in France in 1803. Before his death, Toussaint was successful in abolishing slavery within Haiti. Haiti would later become the only country to be permanently independent as a result of a slave uprising. -
Independence Is Reached
As Toussaint died, yellow fever ravaged the French army in Saint-Domingue. Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Toussaints successor, took advantage of this by defeating the remaining troops and driving them off of the island, declaring independence. On January 1, 1804 they proclaimed the establishment of Haiti, meaning "land of the mountains." Haiti became the first country in Latin America to win its independence and the first post-colonial, independent, black-led country in the world.
