Haitian Revolution

Haiti's Social Hierarchy in 1789

• Caste System: The society in Saint-Domingue was structured into three main groups:

  • White Colonists (Les Blancs): 40,000 individuals, divided into plantation owners and a lower class of whites (artisans, shopkeepers).

  • Free People of Color (Gens de Couleur Libres): 28,000 individuals, often mixed-race, educated, and literate. Many were children of white planters and enslaved mothers.

    • Some owned plantations and slaves themselves.

  • Black Slaves: Approximately 452,000 slaves, making up the majority at a ratio of ten to one compared to free individuals. Most were of African descent, especially Yoruba, Fon, and Kongo.

• Social Conflicts: Deep-seated animosities existed among different racial and social groups, leading to frequent violence and uprisings.

  • Brutality of Slave Masters: Extreme cruelty and punishments were common, with the Code Noir ineffectively regulating slave treatment.

Impact of the French Revolution on Haiti's Revolution

• Slavery Abolished: In an effort to secure the colony against external threats, French commissioners offered freedom to slaves who fought for France.

  • Abolition Declarations: Confirmed on 29 August 1793 and 31 October 1793 by Sonthonax and Polverel, leading to the emancipation of all slaves.

• Re-imposition of Slavery: Despite the initial abolition, slavery was later reinstated under Napoleon, leading to further revolts.

Key Figures in the Haitian Revolution

• Toussaint L’Ouverture:

  • Consolidation of Power: Initially sided with the Spanish but switched to support the French; ultimately established himself as a commander and leader of the revolution.

  • Leadership: Known for his organizational skills, he worked to free all slaves and consolidated control over the island, ultimately becoming its de facto ruler.

• Jean-Jacques Dessalines:

  • Free Republic: Declared Haiti a republic on 1 January 1804. Led violent measures against remaining whites but sought to rebuild the devastated economy.

Haiti’s Social Hierarchy Post-Revolution

• Post-Revolution Society: The societal structure carried over elements from colonial times. The class of free people of color became significant leaders in the new state.

• Independence Debt: Haiti was forced to repay 150 million gold francs to French ex-slaveholders; this crippling debt hindered the country's economic stability and growth.

Influence of the Haitian Revolution on Slavery in the Americas

• Impact on Slavery: The revolution impacted slave systems across the Americas, inspiring uprisings.

  • French planters in Saint-Domingue fled to the U.S., causing first refugee crises and influencing American politics around slavery.

• Contemporary Press Response: Mixed reactions, with some newspapers sympathetic to the revolution as a reflection of the U.S. experience while others expressed fear of similar uprisings in their colonies.

• Long-term Consequences: The revolution raised visibility and urgency on the issue of slavery, influencing abolitionist movements in the Americas.