Change—Revolutions Haitian Revolution THEMATIC ESSAY REVIEW

THEMATIC ESSAY QUESTION You are not limited to these suggestions. Part II THEMATIC ESSAY QUESTION Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes and introduction, several paragraphs addressing the task below and a conclusion. Theme: Change—Revolutions   Throughout history, revolutions have developed in response to a variety of conditions. These revolutions have often resulted in significant political, economic and social change. Task: Select two revolutions and for each • Describe the historical circumstances leading to this revolution • Discuss the political, economic, and/or social effects of this revolution You many use any revolution from your study of global history. Some suggestions you may wish to consider are: Neolithic Revolution, French Revolution, Haitian Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Russian Revolution, Mexican Revolution, Chinese Cultural Revolution and the Green Revolution in Agriculture. You are not limited to these suggestions.

French colony Saint Dominque, today called Haiti (in the Caribbean) Haitian Revolution 1791-1804 French colony Saint Dominque, today called Haiti (in the Caribbean)

historical circumstances

BEFORE French pirates started settling on the Spanish-controlled island Hispaniola in the mid-1600’s. Spain later recognized the French colony of Saint Domingue, which was the western half of the island.

BEFORE Saint Domingue became France’s most profitable colony because it produced tropic goods such as sugar, coffee and cocoa. Large plantations were established to supply these crops, using slaves imported from Africa.

AFTER In 1791, inspired by the French Revolution, slaves revolted against the French colonists. The slaves outnumbered the colonist ten to one. France, still chaotic from the Revolutions, couldn’t help the colonists.

AFTER Led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, the slaves started took over a large part of the colony. Britain and Spain both helped the rebels. To try and stop the revolt, France abolished slavery and offered rights to freed blacks.

AFTER When Napoleon Bonaparte took over France, he made an attempt to retake the colony. L’Ouverature was captured and sent to France, where he died in prison. When Napoleon faced threats in Europe, he pulled his troops from Haiti and rebels took over again.

impact on history

POLITICAL The Haitian Revolt is the only successful slave revolt in history. At the end of it all, Haiti became an independent country, ruled by former slaves. It was the first Latin American country to gain independence. The Revolution served as in inspiration to other Latin American countries seeking independence.

ECONOMIC Fearful of another attempt by the French to retake the colony, the government kept a large army and spend huge sums of money on fortifications to defend against an invasion. Haiti also paid reparations to French slaveholders to try an prevent an attack. Both of these bankrupted the government and Haiti experienced financial problems ever since. Europeans found new sources for the tropical produce they traded for with Haiti.

SOCIAL In 1804, to consolidate their power, the Haitian Massacre occurred, when any whites remaining in the country were executed. With the collapse of Haiti’s agricultural trade and the associated economic problems, Haitians were impoverished. The country was ruled by a small group of elites while most of the country had a low standard of living.

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