How Did The Haitian Revolution Challenged The Status Quo?

The time period of 1780 to 1890 consisted of many different revolutions, each that challenged the status quo in different ways. Whether it was through the rebellions of former slaves against their owners, or the uprising of countries against their controlling absolute monarchs and dictators. The status quo of this time included an absolute monarchy in France ruled by King Louis XIV who oversaw economic reorganization in his area as well as set up industrialized manufacturing to increase trade within France. In the civilization formerly known as Saint Domingue, 90 percent of the population were slaves. Controlled by the French and Spanish Crown, people in this country now known as Haiti suffered under harsh conditions. Both the French and Haitian

The status quo before the revolution in Saint Domingue, modern day Haiti, was a slave based civilization that was controlled by France. France's demanding rule of the sugar and coffee industries lead to Saint Domingue becoming the most profitable colony in the Americas. Just like the society in France before the French Revolution, these colonies were also divided into classes. The white colonies also known as the grand blancs were at the top while the free black people were just below. The enslaved as well as the runaway slaves were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and survived through brutal living conditions. The white colonies were the only people who had somewhat of a say in government but mostly France had full control. The Haitian Revolution challenged this status quo on a major scale as the Haitian revolution freed the enslaved citizens and created a society where every member was equal. Napoleon did try to establish slavery after the revolution for France which ultimately fell short. According to “Haitian Independence Proclaimed” after Napoleon's act of trying to regain control, General Dessalines emerged victorious and assumed dictatorial power leading Haiti to become the second independent nation in the Americans. The status quo before the revolution where the white elites made up the colonial ruling class and owned my plantations was completely eliminated. The revolution brought freedom to everyone by rebelling against French rule. Land that was formerly used as plantations was divided amoung the recently freed slaves. A revolutionary at the time known as Toussaint Louverture was a major leader in the revolution and helped the formerly enslaved fight against their owners. His continuous fight destroyed Napoleon's attempt to create a civilization under his control in the