- Slave Rebellion: The Haitian Revolution was a successful slave rebellion that broke out in 1791 against the French colony of Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti). It was the largest and most successful slave rebellion in history, and it led to the establishment of the independent nation of Haiti in 1804.
- Insurrection: The Haitian Revolution began as an insurrection by enslaved Africans who were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, which promised liberty, equality, and fraternity. The enslaved people in Saint-Domingue resisted the brutal treatment and exploitation they faced under French colonialism.
- Racial and Class Conflict: The Haitian Revolution was a violent conflict marked by racial and class tensions. The enslaved Africans, who made up the majority of the population, rose against the French plantation owners and colonial authorities, who controlled almost all political, economic, and social power.
- Slave Leaders and Military Strategy: The revolution was led by prominent slave leaders such as Toussaint L'Ouverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe. These leaders organized and trained enslaved people into effective military forces, utilizing guerrilla tactics and strategic alliances. They managed to defeat French military campaigns and control large parts of the island.
- French Response: The French attempted to suppress the revolution by sending troops and resources to Saint-Domingue. Several French expeditions failed due to the fierce resistance of the Haitian forces and diseases like yellow fever. The French also faced internal conflicts during this period, such as the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.
- Independence and the Haitian Republic: In 1804, the Haitian Revolutionaries led by Dessalines declared the independence of Haiti. Dessalines became the first ruler of the new nation. Haiti was the first independent nation in Latin America and the first nation to outlaw slavery.
- Legacy and Global Impact: The Haitian Revolution had a significant impact on the world. It challenged the institution of slavery and inspired resistance against colonialism and oppression in other regions. It also had a lasting effect on the development of racism, pan-Africanism, and movements for social and political change in the Americas and beyond.