Haitian Revolution

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary and concepts related to the Haitian Revolution, providing definitions to help study for the exam.

Haitian Revolution

A significant period from 1791 to 1804 during which enslaved Africans in Saint Domingue revolted against colonial rule, resulting in the establishment of Haiti as the first free black republic.

Code Noir

A set of laws established in 1685 governing the conduct and treatment of enslaved people in French colonies, often imposing brutal punishments.

Dutty Boukman

An enslaved African who was a key leader in the Haitian Revolution, leading the initial slave revolt during a Vodou ceremony in 1791.

Toussaint L’Ouverture

A former enslaved African who became a leader of the Haitian Revolution, known for his military genius and efforts to preserve freedom.

Grand Blan

The wealthy white plantation owners in Saint Domingue who held significant power and looked down upon other social classes.

Affranchis

Free people of color in Saint Domingue, who often faced discrimination from both the whites and the enslaved Africans.

Mulatto

Individuals of mixed European and African descent, who occupied a complex social status in colonial society and often sought rights and equality.

Emancipation

The act of freeing individuals from slavery, which was a key outcome of the Haitian Revolution.

Social Division

The structured inequality and friction between different social classes (whites, free coloreds, and enslaved Africans) that contributed to the causes of the Haitian Revolution.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French leader who sought to reclaim Saint Domingue and reinstate slavery after the revolution but faced failure due to resistance from Haitian leaders.

Independence

Haiti declared independence on January 1, 1804, becoming the first country to end slavery and the second nation in the Americas to gain independence.

Impact of the Revolution

The revolution had far-reaching effects, including social upheaval in Haiti and serving as an inspiration for freedom movements throughout the Caribbean.

Haiti as a symbol of Freedom

Haiti became a symbol of hope and resistance for enslaved individuals across the Caribbean, inspiring revolts and liberation efforts.

Economic Decline

Post-revolution, Haiti experienced significant economic decline due to destruction from warfare and the establishment of trade embargos.

Class Division

The ongoing societal conflict in Haiti following the revolution, which continued to see tensions between classes, including blacks and mulattoes.

Boukman’s Rebellion

The uprising led by Dutty Boukman in 1791 that marked the beginning of the Haitian Revolution.

Francois Mackandal

An earlier enslaved revolt leader whose actions in 1757 set a precedent for future revolts leading up to the Haitian Revolution.