During the 1700 and 1800s a strong feeling of nationalism existed in Europe and the Americas. One of the many famous revolutionary leaders that was involved with this nationalistic spirit was a man named Toussaint L’Ouverture. Toussaint L’Ouverture is best known for being the leader of the Haitian Revolution. Toussaint is also known for driving Napoleon out of Haiti and leading his country to independence while being a self-educated slave with no military training. Toussaint L’Ouverture was born into servitude on May 20,1743 in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti and died on April 7,1803 of pneumonia when he was imprisoned at Fort de Joux in France. Compared to other slaves L’Ouverture was relatively educated. L’Ouverture’s owner de Breda, encouraged him to read and write. He was taught religion and became a catholic. Before being freed by his owner, L’Ouverture served a humane master named Count de Breda. Once Toussaint was given his freedom, the Haitian Revolution began; and Toussaint wanted nothing to do with it. The realization that the Haitian Revolution needed a strong leader encouraged L’Ouverture to become a brilliant military political leader and lead his country to independence. To achieve his goals, he engaged in self-teaching methods. L’Ouverture’s owner also freed him, which gave L’Ouverture more motivation …show more content…
Toussaint’s key role in the Haitian Revolution was a military commander. When France and Spain went to war in 1793, the black commanders joined the Spaniards of Santo Domingo, the eastern two thirds of Hispaniola. Toussaint demonstrated extraordinary military ability and attracted such renowned warriors as his nephew Moïse and two future monarchs of Haiti; Jean-Jacques and Henry Christophe. The result of his actions, Toussaint was widely renowned, he was adored by blacks and appreciated by most Europeans and mulattoes, as he did a lot to restore the