Jean-Jacques Dessalines 36-39
French colony named Saint Domingue was in the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.
Eighteenth century. (36)
Eighteenth century. (36)
500,000 slaves produce the French sugar, coffee, tobacco, and cotton (36).
Rebellion of the slaves against the masters was common.
Freed black former slaves and whites fought between themselves for land and property due to the
French Declaration of the Rights of Man in 1791 (36).
French Declaration of the Rights of Man in 1791 (36).
The French freed the black population to win their favor and hoping they would fight with them
against the Spanish and British forces. This worked and Toussaint L’Ouverture (black man who
worked to free all slaves in the region by 1801) appointed himself “governor for life”. This caused
fear in Napoleon because he did not like the “independent black leader” and acted against him by
banishing him where he later died. (36)
against the Spanish and British forces. This worked and Toussaint L’Ouverture (black man who
worked to free all slaves in the region by 1801) appointed himself “governor for life”. This caused
fear in Napoleon because he did not like the “independent black leader” and acted against him by
banishing him where he later died. (36)
His second in command was ruthless and did whatever he saw necessary. Here we meet our author
Jean-Jacques Dessalines (1758-1806).
Jean-Jacques Dessalines (1758-1806).
He founded a new nation now called Haiti.
He did not claim governor under the French. But claimed the title as emperor.
He was very literate and intelligent despite having no formal education as a former slave.
His strategy was brilliant as he targeted international audiences to his peoples cause.
Mainly American publications.
Mainly American publications.
“Dessalines left a complex Legacy: on the one hand, horror at his autocratic rule and
willingness to be brutal in battle, and on the other hand, administration at his power to fight back
against strong oppressors with both words and weapons.” (36)
willingness to be brutal in battle, and on the other hand, administration at his power to fight back
against strong oppressors with both words and weapons.” (36)
“Like an overflowing mighty torrent that terraced down all opposition, you’re vengeful fury has
carried away everything in its impetuous course. Thus perish all tyrants over innocence - all
oppressors of mankind!” (37)
carried away everything in its impetuous course. Thus perish all tyrants over innocence - all
oppressors of mankind!” (37)
“I abandon to them freely the seashore and the placed where cities have existed; but woe to those
who may approach us to near the mountains! It were better for them that the sea received them into
its profound abyss, than to be devoured by the anger of the children of Hayti.” (38) - warning to the
enemy of freedom.
who may approach us to near the mountains! It were better for them that the sea received them into
its profound abyss, than to be devoured by the anger of the children of Hayti.” (38) - warning to the
enemy of freedom.
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