Aim: Explain how Haiti Won Independence

Revolution in Haiti French colony called Saint Domingue (Haiti) was first Latin American Territory to free itself from European rule 500,000 enslaved Africans worked on French plantations Outnumbered their masters dramatically Masters used brutal methods to terrorize workers 2

The Oppressed Workers Rise Up During French Revolution, Oppressed people in Haiti rose up against their French masters August 1791: 100,000 enslaved Africans rose up in revolt Toussaint L’Ouverture became leader Became a skilled general & diplomat 1801: Toussaint had taken control of the entire island and free all enslaved Africans January 1802: French soldiers landed to take L’Ouverture from power French accused him of planning uprising Seized him & sent him to prison for life 3

Haiti’s Independence Tousaint’s lieutenant, Dessalines took up the fight for freedom January 1, 1804: General Dessalines declared the colony an independent country First black colony to free itself from European control 4