TBJ chaps 4-5

The Black Jacobins Overview

• Plantation Masters' Reactions

  • Plantation owners publicized grievances against free blacks (Mulattoes) by displaying heads on pikes, showcasing their fury over newfound rights given to Mulattoes or mixed-race individuals.

  • The May decree allowing rights to 400 Mulattoes was seen as a threat by white plantation owners, leading to lynchings of free blacks and anti-French sentiments.

• Formation of New Assembly

  • The Assembly met in Leogane to ensure independence, later attempting to move to Le Cap but facing violence from freed slaves along the way.

  • The revolting blacks from the North lacked external political ties.

The Haitian Revolution Begins

• Mass Revolt Organization

  • Slaves worked closely in large groups (e.g., sugar factories), forming a modern proletariat involving organized revolutionary movements.

  • Early 1791 marked preparations for revolt; Voodoo played a significant role in conspiracy meetings to discuss potential political developments.

• Boukman’s Leadership

  • Boukman, a Papaloi (High Priest), led the revolt after organizing the slaves around Le Cap.

  • A plan was formulated for simultaneous uprisings across the region to exterminate their oppressors by setting fire to key plantations.

The Revolution in Action

• Initial Revolt Activities

  • On the first night of revolt, slaves executed their masters and razed plantations, despite being well-treated in some instances.

  • Revolters demonstrated both violence and a strangely moderate approach, as some spared those who had treated them kindly.

• Contrast in Treatment

  • The slaves, showing a degree of restraint despite initial violence against their oppressors, behaved more humanely than their masters.

  • Reports indicated atrocities committed by both sides; slaves avenged wrongs but did not resort to the extreme tortures inflicted upon them.

• Formation of a Power Base

  • With the beginnings of the rebellion, a multitude of slaves started to join forces with free blacks and faire alliances despite race prejudices.

  • Leadership emerged among the ranks of previously enslaved or free individuals; as tensions climbed, the number of insurgents soared.

Prelude to Toussaint's Ascendancy

• Toussaint L'Ouverture's Background

  • At 45, he joined the revolt, bringing with him previous experiences as a steward, adept in administrative and operational tasks on the plantation.

  • Toussaint exhibited leadership qualities, showcasing astute political maneuvers during the conflict among various factions (whites, revolutionaries, slaves).

• Early Military Strategies

  • Recognized military leadership dynamics among blacks: the transition from former slaves to leaders allied against colonial powers.

  • Key figures (e.g. Biassou, Jean François) showed promise in instilling military discipline and strategy.

The Aggression Expands

• Formation of Coalitions

  • Young white and free black leaders found ways to consolidate power among previously oppressed groups.

  • The white planters' earlier disdain for black leaders shifted as they faced increasing cohesion from the revolutionary factions.

• Escalation of Violence

  • The might of the revolution was increasingly recognized by both the revolutionary forces in France and those within San Domingo.

  • Institutional responses shifted towards tactical alliances, some Mulatto leaders consolidated power while whites began to unite against the uprisings.

The Decline of Colonial Power

• Shift in Political Legitimacy

  • As the insurrection persisted, the former colonial powers barely executed control, lost confidence and undermined their own authority while desperately trying to quell the revolts.

  • The Assembly tried to instate control but was met with resistance, and growing female militancy in revolt worked against oppressive measures.

• Internal Struggles within Revolutionary Tiers

  • In February 1793, the British made advances toward San Domingo, jeopardizing French control and setting off precedents for further conflicts over power and allegiance among classes.

• Toussaint's Maturation as Leader

  • Ascending power dynamics saw Toussaint rallying support and harnessing military acumen.

  • His ears to the ground and calculated maneuvers positioned him favorably during negotiations, rising to pivotal roles as skirmishes between allied factions unfolded.