OVERVIEW:
What Was It?
The Haitian Revolution was a rebellion by slaves against France for political and social reasons. It is considered the most successful slave revolt in the Western Hemisphere. It took place in Saint Domingue, which is now known as Haiti. The population in Saint Domingue consisted of four groups: whites, free coloreds, petit blancs, and slaves. Saint Domingue was the one of the richest colonies owned by France, mainly because of its production of sugar, coffee, indigo, and cotton (Sutherland). Slaves were essential to the success of these crops and the country’s economy yet they had no civil rights. The free coloreds, petit blancs, and slaves wanted equal rights compared to whites and were inspired by the French Revolution during which citizens were given more rights. Led by Toussaint l’Overture, slaves fought against the French Army led by General Leclurc from 1791 to 1804 (Shen).
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