First Ever Independence of Haiti: First ever Independence

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

First ever Independence

Haiti underwent the Haitian Revolution to justify to the world that they were free. In 1789, the French Revolution broke out in France, overthrowing King Louis XVI (A). Haiti and all of the French colonies were no longer under the control of King Louis XVI and were under nothing but chaos. Taking advantage of the French Revolution, half a million black slaves revolted against the French for equality among all men. From this the Haitian Revolution began and lasted from 1791 to 1804 (C). The desire for independence was not only from slaves but also the Affranchis. Integration of Africans and Europeans in Hispaniola created Affranchis descent (A). They were wealthy and were a high class status people who owned successful plantations just like other European planters in Hispaniola. Affranchis had their freedom and French citizenship due to their high status among the people of Hispaniola but they were not treated equally as the Europeans. The Affranchis's frustration in the racist community, slave owner brutality, war between European powers and inequality in offering citizenship only to wealthy Affranchis caused the rise of this historical revolution. In 1793, mulattos, who were half black and half white, rebelled and revolted with Toussaint L’Ouverture and performed great military ability against France (A).

Haitians furious with French and participating in Haitian Revolution

They gained control over several areas and initial support from the French agents. Through his forces, the French National Convention abolished slavery (A). Not pleased by Toussaint L’Ouverture’s actions, Napoleon Bonaparte sent his army back to Haiti to restore slavery and capture Franquois but failed (A). Haitian Nationalist forces led by army generals Henri Christophe, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Alexandre Petion defeated French commander and army. In 1803, French army and commander Rochambeau surrendered after suffering from disease (B). Despite the Spain and Britain’s refusal, Dessaline claimed Haiti’s Independence on January 1, 1804 (D). The courage of Haitians in 18 & 19th centuries still makes Haiti the one in only independent black republic.

Haitians fighting for their independence against French

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Devastating Earthquake of Haiti

As many people know, Haiti suffered from a 7.0 Magnitude Quake struck near Port au Prince. 3,500,000 people were affected by the earthquake, and 220,000 people died. The quake left 19 million cubic meters of debris in Port au Prince. 60% of government and administration building, 80% of school in Port au Prince, and 60% of schools in the South and West Departments are damaged or destroyed. Due to this disaster, a half million people were living in camps away from home.

Today, many people are supporting Haiti with their relief efforts to encourage them in a strong recovery. Although it is not so easy with outbreak of cholera, Haiti is coming back together slowly. Haiti relief support is still going on, so please help Haiti recover soon!

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Toussaint L'Ouverture was born in November 1, 1743. He was born into slavery on a plantation. He was allowed to learn how to read and write by the plantation overseer. Toussaint had better work than other slaves, however, he was still a slave. With his innate leadership and knowledge of strategies, he decided to participate in the slave revolt and led an incredible success against the Spain and France with his own followers. He achieved his victory in the north with his extraordinary military ability. After his victory, he was able to go up to France National Convention in freeing all slaves. Toussaint was a historical man who led the Haiti's slave revolt to a success.

First Ever Independence of Haiti

Wednesday, March 7, 2012