Haitian revolution

Definition

A successful slave revolt in the French colony of Saint-Domingue from 1791 to 1804 that resulted in the establishment of Haiti as the first independent Black republic and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. It was inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the French Revolution.

Examples

  • Toussaint Louverture leading the enslaved population against French colonial forces
  • Haiti declaring independence on January 1, 1804, under Jean-Jacques Dessalines
  • The revolution contributing to Napoleon's decision to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States
Key Fact

The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) was the only successful large-scale slave revolt in history.

Related Terms

French revolution Latin american revolutions Enlightenment Slavery origins

Study This Concept

Practice Haitian Revolution with free review games in these units:

AP World History: Modern Unit 5: Revolutions