The Haitian Revolution turned France’s wealthy Caribbean slave colony, Saint-Domingue, into the first free black republic of the New World.
It has been subject to a systemic silencing historically.
While major revolutions like the French, American, Russian, and Chinese Revolutions are well-known, Haiti's Revolution is often overlooked.
Background
Saint-Domingue was a French colony founded in 1659, known for sugar, coffee, and indigo exports, building wealth for plantation owners and France.
It had a brutal slave system with a life expectancy of 7-10 years for the enslaved, leading to a constant importation of slaves to replace those who died.
The population was about 500,000 slaves, approximately 90% of the total population before the revolution.
The Revolution
Began in 1791 in rural northern areas and spread to the entire colony.
Toussaint Louverture emerged as a leader, a freed man of color who became a significant military figure.
Louverture negotiated for limited emancipation and returned freed slaves to plantations in conditions akin to previous slavery.
Napoleon sought to retake control and reimpose slavery, leading to a fierce resistance from Saint-Domingueans.
Toussaint Louverture
An enigmatic figure; born in the 1740s, freed from slavery, and rose to power during the revolt.
Historians debate his early life and motivations, with limited personal details known.
He owned slaves before the revolt and had complex views on liberation.
Complex Society Structure
Saint-Domingue had a complex social structure with "big whites" (landowners), "small whites" (managers), and free people of color, many of whom were of mixed race and held various societal roles.
CLR James’s Black Jacobins discusses the revolution's complexity, emphasizing both race and class.
Interaction with the French Revolution
The French Revolution influenced Haiti's Revolution and vice versa.
Various groups in Saint-Domingue tried to apply the ideals of the French Revolution to their causes.
The French National Assembly was initially hesitant but eventually abolished slavery in 1794 as a result of the Haitian events.
International Impact
The Haitian Revolution influenced global attitudes towards slavery and freedom.
It contributed to the Louisiana Purchase, as Napoleon decided to sell French territories after failing to retake Saint-Domingue.
American Reaction
The US reacted with fear, passing laws to prevent similar revolts and isolating Haiti.
News spread across the US, alarming slaveholders and influencing attempts at insurrections.
Historical Silencing
Michel-Rolph Trouillot argues the Haitian Revolution was "unthinkable," leading to its historical silencing.
The narrative was often altered or ignored, emphasizing the denial of enslaved agency.
Personal Reflection
The discussion of Haiti’s Revolution allows re-examination of other revolutions, like the American Revolution, and their moral narratives.
Conclusion
The Haitian Revolution is a complex and misunderstood event that reshaped the notion of freedom and revolution in the Atlantic world.