The Failed Enlightenment

The Failed Enlightenment of Saint Domingue
The age of enlightenment was an extremely prosperous time where leaps in social and political philosophies were made. The enlightenment age led to many autocratic based societies to question the state of their government and how their lack of representation affected their lives. France was one of the many nations who were inspired by enlightened ideas. When word of the French Revolution reached Haiti ideas of change and freedom stirred up lots of interest among the inhabitants. Looking to their foster country as an example Haiti petitioned for better working and living conditions. Their demands were quickly dismissed which spurred the beginnings of resistance, this would eventually be called the Haitian

The haitian revolution did not meet his enlightened ideas largely in part because of their leader Toussaint L'Ouverture. Toussaint L’Ouverture was known for his military and political prowess, but also for his tendencies to deport or kill people anyone who seemed to pose a threat to his power (Égalité for All). Toussaint even went so far have his adopted nephew Moïse executed. When Toussaint enforced labor in 1800 his nephew was strongly against and instead supported workers who wanted land reform. Unhappy about his nephew opposal and defiance Toussaint had him executed (Fermont). Toussaint L’Ouverture lacked respect or care for free thinking from Haiti instead of taking into account the wants and needs of his people he independently decided what was best for Haiti based on his own opinions. This non inclusive policy would lead to a complete takeover of the Haitian government by

Napoleon wanted to reinstate slavery since it was so profitable for France. In retaliation to hearing this news Toussaint L’Ouverture wrote a constitution for Saint Domingue that made slavery illegal and also named himself Governor-General. This position that granted him absolute power in Saint Domingue, and allowed him to choose his successor (Égalité for All). His seemingly selfish choice instituted a military dictatorship within Haiti and would plague the country for years to come (Aguilera “Haitian Revolution Lecture”). Toussaint’s decision did not align with enlightened ideas on how a governing a country should be conducted. Montesquieu was a french philosopher who believed that the best way to preserve liberty was to separate power within government. He believed that government should be separated into three different branches; Legislative, executive, and judicial (Aguilera, “Enlightened Thinkers Lecture”). This systems of checks and balances is similar to the system within the united states. Montesquieu was firmly against any one small group having too much power. Toussaint’s decision completely went against these ideals which showcases how he was not thinking in enlightened terms when decided the governing fate of