Toussaint Louverture and the Haitian Revolution

Introduction

• Toussaint Louverture, known as the "Black George Washington."
• Enraged three empires and Napoleon.
• Championed liberty and equality for all.
• The documentary is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS viewers.

Haiti: From Riches to Slavery

• Haiti, once the richest place in the Americas as Saint-Domingue.
• Wealth rooted in slavery and human capital.
• Slaves worked under brutal conditions.

The French Revolution Influence

• French Revolution began in 1789 with demands for liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man introduced radical ideas of inherent rights.
• Dangerous ideas for France's slaveholding colonies.

Toussaint Louverture: Rise to Leadership

• Born a slave but with a free man's soul.
• Trained and led thousands against French, British, and Spanish armies.
• Initiated a series of revolts, burning plantations to disrupt the economy.

The Haitian Revolution

• First and only successful slave-led revolution.
• Began in August 1791, led by figures like Bukman, fueled by voodoo religion.
• Aimed at ending slavery and achieving freedom.

The Struggle for Freedom

• Early negotiations failed as white planters refused concessions.
• Toussaint emerged as a key figure due to his diplomatic skills and leadership.
• France's political turmoil and the rise of Napoleon affected the revolution.

Toussaint's Leadership

• Created alliances, including with Spain and later rejoined France.
• Defeated major powers: France, Spain, and England.
• Declared governor for life in a new constitution.

The Role of Napoleon

• Napoleon’s rise to power and his threat to re-establish slavery.
• Toussaint's efforts to create a stable, independent Saint-Domingue.

Final Battles and Independence

• Toussaint was ultimately captured and sent to France.
• Jean-Jacques Dessalines continued the fight, leading to Haiti's independence in 1803.
• The revolution established Haiti as the first black republic.

Legacy

• Toussaint died in prison, but his legacy endured.
• The Haitian Revolution is a testament to human rights and anti-slavery.
• The program is available on DVD and supported by PBS viewers.