Ap Euro Dbq Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution was one of the most consequential events in our current recorded history, as it was the only successful slave revolt in history, and led to the establishment of the first independent black nation. The insurgency began in 1791, as slaves in the French colony of Saint-Domingue rose against their French oppressors in a destructive uprising that endured for over a decade. The revolt was influenced by enlightenment ideas, instability in France, and Toussaint L'Ouverture, a former slave who became a military leader and strategist at the head of the rebellions, and who ultimately played a crucial role in the success of the revolution.

The Haitian Revolution was provoked by a combination of economic, social, and governmental

This is shown clearly in the rules that were put in place as “Masters shall be obliged to provide each week to their slaves of eighteen years or older for food 2 ½ measures of cassava flour, or three cassavas weighing 2 ½ pounds each at least, or some equivalent provisions, with 2 pounds of saltbeef, or three pounds of fish…” (Document 1). This shows how masters had to be forced by code to feed their slaves and even then it was only for those eighteen or older and not for the younger kids. It shows how they valued those who could work over those who could not. The same code also states that brandy or fermented cane juice was prohibited from being used as a supplement for food, insinuating that some owners were giving their slaves alcohol so that they wouldn’t feel hungry. In addition to this revolting treatment, the Haitian Revolution was also impacted by the influence of the Enlightenment and progressive ideas, such as those by John Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire, that were spreading through Europe

It succeeded in overthrowing the French colonial regime, and in 1804 Haiti became the first black-led nation in the world. Given the power and influence of France in comparison to the island of Haiti, this was inconceivable. The defiance of the expected inspired other struggles for freedom across the Americas and in Europe. It was a powerful example of the potential of oppressed peoples to rise up against their oppressors and fight tooth and nail for their freedom. It contributed to the abolition of slavery in other parts of the world, including the British Empire. It asserted, leaving no room for question, that the idea that enslavement was morally and ethically inexcusable. However, The Haitian Revolution had a significant negative affect on the Caribbean region, as it led to a period of political and economic instability that lasted for many years after the fact as Haiti became the first black republic in the world as one of the largest producers of sugar and coffee. This instability was generated by the collapse of the plantation system, which had been the mainstay of the Caribbean economy. The rebellion was responsible for defying the prevailing racial hierarchies of the time, and forcing the world to confront the injustices of slavery and colonialism. It assisted to establish the idea that people of all races were entitled to freedom