Write as one of the following: Louverture, a grand blanc, a gen de coleur, a former slave, or Napoleon.
Character Based on Your Last Name:
Louverture (A-E)
A grand blanc (F-J)
A gen de coleur (K-N)
A former slave (O-S)
Napoleon (T-Z)
Discuss the successes and failures of the Haitian Revolution and respond to at least ONE other characters position.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAs Toussaint Louverture, one of the leader’s of the Haitian Revolution, I realize there were many successes and failures of this grand revolution. Let’s start with the successes, because, well, I did a very good job. First, my men and I revolted against plantation owners first, killing and burning them. This was vengeance to the dire conditions they put us through, which I experienced first-hand as a slave. Although I am free now, as a slave, we used to work in the sweltering heat, and were punished or whipped if we refused to work. With the Haitian Revolution, we defeated both French and British forces that put us through this. Another success of the Revolution was my ability to build and lead a strong, organized military. This military had the successes to take over most of Saint-Domingue, our home. We also conquered the colony of Santo Domingo in my conquests, taking Haiti for ourselves. The success I am most proud of in this revolution was the ability to create a new constitution, and grant equality across the colony, something slaves had never seen before. I used this constitution to rightfully place myself as the Governor of the island. This constitution was glorious, because it was inspired from the “Declaration of Rights of Man” in France, and we were able to bring citizenship and rights to all. We completed a successful revolution, as influential as the French Revolution, and brought liberty to slaves.
ReplyDeleteDespite these triumphs, the end of the revolution did not turn out as planned. Some downfalls of this revolution include, well, my downfall. In the time of this revolution was also the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, a powerful, influential French military leader. After he took over the weak, French government back home, he decided to come into our colonies and reinstate slavery. Obviously, my troops and I were outraged, and we declared a constitution to prohibit slavery in Haiti. This was probably not the best idea, as Napoleon’s angry troops entered or Saint Domingue to restore slavery, attacking and killing us in Haiti. I am afraid this happened because we did not become fully independent to France, allowing us to be susceptible to French attacks. I am desperately hoping I am not captured by the French army in this time of turmoil, though I am fearful I will be sent to prison, or be killed. I am slightly hoping for the latter, so I could die a glorious death. Other downfalls of this revolution were originally the violence that occured. As a plantation owner myself, I was terrified to see the violence that was occuring by the revolts, and I even fled back to my first plantation to protect the white owners. I did not want violence to destroy these people, because I was educated on this plantation. Eventually, I did get over this, and led my army to victory. Although we lacked gaining independence from France in the end, we abolished slavery in Haiti, and were able to gain equality and replicate the success of the French Revolution. Hopefully, in the next few years, my troops will gain independence.
- Toussaint Louverture/ Lydia Costantian
As a freedman of color, I agree with everything that you have stated. As the leader of the revolution, it is only an honor that you came out of your shell as a slave and fought for liberty for all.
DeleteMickey K.
As a freed slave, I didn't agree with your original plans to continue the work slaves had to do on plantations because slaves should not be held responsible for that work when we have already put most of our lives into working for crude business men. (Those beliefs on your part were definitely a failure) But other than that, I of course agree with everything else you said. The independence Haiti recieved and the freedom many colored people gained is a victory that outweighs any failures. You played a crucial role in abolishing slavery in Haiti, and I am thankful for that.
Delete- Paris Saint-Marc // Freed Slave
You helped spread the fire that led to the complete collapse of Blanc presence in the region. The biggest failure in the revolution was us blancs couldn't kill you earlier. Without you, the blancs would have kept their power after a minor struggle.
DeleteYou helped spread the fire that led to the complete collapse of Blanc presence in the region. The biggest failure in the revolution was us blancs couldn't kill you earlier. Without you, the blancs would have kept their power after a minor struggle.
Delete- Grand Blanc / Eddie Hsieh
As a Grand Blanc myself, I am truly in shock that you believe it is a good thing that you slaves brutally killed all of your owners. We truly gave you a better life than you could have been living by letting you work as slaves on our plantation. We used you so that we grow the economy of Haiti, and this is the way you treat us back? You may think that the revolution helped you guys out now but in the long run, I highly doubt you will face the level of success that we Grand Blancs have achieved for a long time.
Delete-Grand Blanc/Vihaan Jain
I, Toussaint Louverture, believe that the Haitian Revolution was a significant event in history that produced both successes and failures. The Haitian Revolution was successful in that it was the first successful slave rebellion to ever occur, and because of this revolution, Haiti has become an independent nation, particularly the one of the first to break free from a European nation. Slaves were able to release all of the anguish that they have felt in all of the agonizing years of work they had to face. Dealing with sugarcane cuts, ant bites, hangings, and lashes was not what they deserved. All of the oppression that the slave owners caused was iniquitous, and by leading the slaves in this rebellion, I was able to fight for their rights and take back all of the years that they had lost as slaves. I don't usually practice violence unless it is absolutely necessary, but this situation showed me that violence was the only way to make our voices heard. I have been trying to negotiate with slave owners and the more privileged inhabitants of Saint-Domingue, but this was futile, as they didn't accept what I thought to be a reasonable offer. I saw how much pain the slaves felt, and I wanted to help them; by installing a revolt, the slaves were able to incinerate all of the plantations that had caused them to suffer, and they were able to rise against the slave owners. I also used the drive of the slaves to organize an efficient army, and this was a big factor that accounted for our success. With this, we were able to drive out the British and the Spanish that the whites called on for help. We were able to show how powerful and passionate we felt about freedom, and we proved that slaves aren’t just some robot workers you can manipulate and torture to get what you want. I was able to create a constitution that gave equality and citizenship to all inhabitants of Haiti, and I was able to emancipate all slaves. This revolution was a key step in my fight for equality and emancipation. This revolution also served as an inspiration to other colonies who felt the need to fight for their rights and attain their independence. The Haitian Revolution became a symbol of light in the darkness, and I am very honored that Haitian slaves have been able to influence other people in an inspirational way.
ReplyDeleteOf course, this was not a perfect revolution; there were indeed some areas where we could have done better. I really wish that I could have persuaded Sir Napoleon to open his eyes and realize that slavery is inhumane and that people should not be discriminated because of the color of their skin. Sir Napoleon’s armies were far too powerful, and I surrendered because there was no longer a purpose for fighting. Secondly, Haiti entered into a state of instability after this revolution. The economy was still having problems because of all the plantations that were burnt, and violence occurred between former slaves and French troops before we got our independence. I also think that a failure was not being able to change the fatal mindset of the European colonists/white slave owners. They disapproved of the revolution because they thought that the gens de couleur were inferior, and I wish that I was able to open their minds and make them see that everyone should be treated equally. I also wish that there was a more peaceful way we could make our voices heard, since I am an advocate for nonviolence, but all of my efforts to negotiate in a friendly way were fruitless. Nonetheless, I am very proud of the success that this revolution has accomplished, and I am glad that I was able to grant equality and freedom to my fellow slaves.
- Toussaint Louverture/Joseph Caluya
As a gen de coleur, what I identify as a success in the Haitian revolution would be the impact of how triumphant the oppressed turned out in the end, specifically the enslaved. Not only that, but the amount of leadership that was shown during the revolution, such as of that of Toussaint Louverture, allows me to feel a sense of victory and courage as it would with other freed slaves. However, a failure that I can see would be the fact that this revolution was one of the only during the entirety of the Atlantic slave trade, and showed how people needed to gain more bravery in the face of evil. Also, revolts as such should've happened a long time ago. But at least they did happen.
ReplyDeleteFreedman of color, Mickey K.
As Toussiant L'Overture, I agree with your statements on the successes of the Haitian Revolution. Although the gens de coleur are free people of color, you still understand the struggles of slaves at the time. I myself was a gens de coleur, and although I lived as a plantation owner myself, I was once a slave too. Also, thank you for recognizing my leadership. It was not easy creating such a large army to defeat French powers, one of the largest European nations in the world. I do disagree with what you think the failures are though. Lots of more rebellions occurred during the era of the Atlantic Slave Trade, including the Stono Slave Rebellion and the Nat Turner rebellion. Although none were as successful as the Haitian Revolution, bravery was still shown by slaves in these colonial-American rebellions. Revolts had been occurring throughout history, including the famous Pugachev Rebellion in Russia, and the American Revolution to establish independence from Great Britain. Besides this, I agree with your opinions on the successes of the revolution, as it freed the enslaved.
ReplyDelete- Toussiant L'Overture/Lydia Costantian
As a former slave, I am very happy with the revolution and can easily identify the success. However, the failures that occurred are not as easy to come by since the Haiti Revolution greatly benefited slaves.
ReplyDeleteLet's start with the successes. Obviously the most important one is the independence Haiti recieved. Because of the revolution, Haiti was able to separate itself from France and become an independence nation, adopting the name it had been previously given by natives. This is definitely a win. And another victory, equal in importance, was the abolishment of slavery. As a former slave, this victory is particularly important to me. Prior to the revolution, slaves were not treated like people and were forced to endure horrid working conditions. Some were even separated from their families and children, but because of the revolution slaves gained their freedom and got to live like human beings again, no longer dying from harsh labor or being separated by their families.
As far as failures go, there aren't many for me to complain about. The Haiti Revolution was by far one of the most successful slave revolts in history, so this leaves me with little negatives things to say. However, there is one effect of the revolution that I am not entirely happy about. Thousands of slaves died. From being overwork, to disease, to warr thousands of native Haitians died during the revolution. Death was of course inevitable, but the abundance of death would continue to affect Haiti way after the revolution took place.
- Paris Saint-Marc // Former Slave
Dear fellow former slave, I am happy to hear that you were happy with the results of the revolution. I am glad that I was able to liberate you from inhumane treatment from the slave owners. Being a former slave myself, I can relate to all of your traumatic experiences you had when you were still working on the plantations, and I am glad that I was able to fight for the freedom and rights that former slaves truly deserve. I agree with your viewpoint on the failure that a lot of slaves died. I am not an advocate of violence, and I felt bad when all of those slaves perished in the battles we were fighting. I also agree with what you feel the revolution succeeded in. I think that Haiti's independence and the emancipation of slaves were major accomplishments as well, and I am glad that the revolution was fruitful in that aspect. We were able to avenge the slaves and destroy everything that caused our years of anguish and agony. I hope that your life as a former slave will continue to improve, and I pray that you will never have to encounter another traumatic experience in your life. I'm happy that I was able to create better conditions for all Haitian residents, and I thank you for assisting me in our fight against inequality and prejudice.
Delete- Toussaint Louverture/Joseph Caluya
Dear slave, As a past slave owner, I must strongly disagree with all of your statements regarding this horrendous occasion. I am very displeased you think this way and I will let you know why. We ruled with dignity and pride for our nation, all we want is the betterment of the economy and our great mother nation of France. You now have attacked our nation by killing the one's who once ruled you, giving you shelter and a purpose is this world. I hear that after revolution you still had to work anyway, and that you did not know what to do with your pity lives after your leaders left. As for your triumphs, all of that is shadowed by the defeat you endured after your "victory". France returned, and slavery came back. We ruled again and your revolution was not all roses and daisies, in the end France is the one on top, and we rule again.
DeleteDear former slave,
DeleteAs a gen de coleur, I do agree with you in that the most important success of the Haitian Revolution was the established an independence Haiti. We were able to finally separate ourselves from France and placed importance on the idea of liberty and equality. You, a former slave, was able to gain more rights and a world of opportunities was opened up before your eyes. This has also occurred for me as well. Even though I was technically considered to be free, I still suffered from discrimination from the grand blancs so I can sympathize with you and understand what it feels like to be mistreated by them. I am glad that it has ended and we won’t have to suffer under the hands of the grand blancs no longer. All of the former slaves and my fellow gen de coleurs were able to become full-pledge citizens of Haiti and nothing makes me happy than that. You also mention how one of the major failures of the revolution was that it resulted in the deaths of many slaves and I shared your viewpoint. Too many lives were lost, including color people and the whites, and this could have easily been avoided. We didn’t need to sacrifice so many of our fellow friends during this fight for independence but thanks to the leadership of Toussaint Louverture, we succeeded and were able to gain freedom. We were able to become liberated from France and I believe we have made our fallen comrades proud.
-Gen de coleur/ Ya Xuan Ke
Hello, I as the gen de couleur agree with your view on the successes and failures of the revolution. I also agree that the important success was the independence that Haiti received. I think that by receiving the independence we people of the lower class could finally have an opportunity to become equal to everyone else even if it would take some time. I also believe that the abolishment of slavery was important since slavery was very wrong and did not give slaves any freedom.
DeleteSarah kim/ gen de couleur
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DeleteDear slave,
DeleteAs a Grand Blanc I can only say to you that the abolishment of slavery was done in a savage and cruel way. The people who owned the slaves gave them a purpose and even a place to stay. Slavery wasn't as bad as you make it out to be, and you could have even bought your freedom. The fact that you killed your owners and took their land is appalling. The civil war of this revolution led to many deaths for all groups involved. Overall, this revolution had many negatives for a lot of people and shouldn't be called a "victory".
-Grand Blanc/Conrad Heil
As a Grand Blanc, I am outraged and very displeased with the outcome of the revolution that has broken out in Haiti. As a slave owner, generously giving them work and housing, I should be treated with respect but now, fellow slave owners are being killed and slaughtered by our slaves out of anger and inspiration by the horrendous Revolution that occurred in our homeland of France. I am very displeased with this outcome for now I have lost my land and my power over my slaves. I am very displeased with the French Military for not being able to control this rebellion as well as with my fellow grand blanc's who could not keep their slaves in line. Many slave owners are dead and we were forced to leave the island or be killed by the pure savages that now inhabit that horrendous land. The largest failure however is letting one man Toussaint Louverture, inspire these slaves so well and be able to run this revolution. We as France now look terrible, we are the victims of the only successful slave revolution in history and I am outraged.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this story does have a happy ending. The greatest triumph of the revolution was the crushing defeat of Toussaint and the regained control of slavery in Haiti. Our leader Napoleon has issued that France return to Haiti, prepared to fight, and crush the savages that forced us from our rightfully owned land. We now are allowed to return to Haiti and regain our control and I can assure you I will be much more strict with my workers in the future. The revolution was a major defeat, but now it is over, Toussaint is defeated and we have rightfully regained control, and the control of Haiti has been returned to its owners.
-A Grand Blanc/Iago Lashua
Okay Grand Blanc m sorry that it didnt come out as you had hoped, but the haitian revolution was one of the most remarkable. slaves had the courage to turn on their owners and gain enough power to imprison white people and gain their freedom which eventually led to the independence of haiti. although i may have been defeated by napoleon, haiti still became a free country so this revolution was overall successful.
Delete- Ariana Espin/Louverture
The revolution was a disaster for society! What right do the negros have in running their own estates? That is a white man's job! The only thing the negros can do is work, and they should be glad for the civilization we Blancs have granted them! The only success in this revolution was the fact many Blancs escaped the savagery of the negroes.
ReplyDeleteThe revolution caused the destruction of crucial cash crops. Spain will have a hard time recovering from this selfish act. San Domingue was a crucial part of Spain’s economy, and this senseless destruction has left Spain reeling - this is unacceptable.
The largest failure was the fact we could not suppress the rebellion, leading to a nation of lawless savageness.
Grand Blanc / Eddie Hsieh
(Post doesn’t reflect Author’s opinion)
DON'T READ
DeleteTHIS WAS A MISTAKE POST
The revolution was a disaster for society! What right do the negros have in running their own estates? That is a white man's job! The only thing the negros can do is work, and they should be glad for the civilization we Blancs have granted them! The only success in this revolution was the fact many Blancs escaped the savagery of the negroes.
ReplyDeleteThe revolution caused the destruction of crucial cash crops. France will have a hard time recovering from this selfish act. San Domingue was a crucial part of France’s economy, and this senseless destruction has left France reeling - this is unacceptable.
The largest failure was the fact we could not suppress the rebellion, leading to a nation of lawless savageness. A perfectly fine colony that fed both the mouths and banks of the Blancs was captured in a surge of violence - gruesome deaths for the white people. Ironic how a creature we thought tamed could ruin a smoothly running society so easily.
Grand Blanc / Eddie Hsieh
(Post doesn’t reflect Author’s opinion)
I believe that the Haitian Revolution had some successes, but along with successes, there were also many failures. As a Grand Blanc my main priority, when joining this revolution, was for San Domingue to gain liberty. In addition, I also drove for more freedom from the French government for me and people like me. All of my main priorities were met. Through this revolution, were able to be emancipated from the French government. Without the French government having control over us, we were able to gain our much needed and desired freedom. These factors allowed our colony to conceive liberty and equality.
ReplyDeleteAlthough successes occurred, many failures occurred as well. As a plantation owner, I was offended upon how the slaves reacted. I am utterly disgusted and displeased in how they reacted during this revolution. They destroyed my land and abandoned their jobs. With a job as important as mine, I was horrified with how the slaves reacted. Plantations are what would allow San Domingue to thrive, my sugar production would allow our economy to be stable. However, since the slaves rebelled, I have lost my land and lost control of my plantations. The slaves set my plantation on fire and frightened my family and me, causing us to flee. So, although, the revolution allowed me to gain liberty and freedom from the French government, it also stripped me of my land and my job. The failures that this revolution produced outweighed the successes, which means that this revolution was in no way beneficial to me, so, therefore, it was a failure.
-Grand Blanc/Gabi Franco
Dear Grand Blanc, While I do agree that independence was necessary for Haiti because it allowed race not to determine opportunity, I disagree that you think that the slaves were out of place. I can completely sympathize with them, because they are being destroyed by the Frenchmen with little rights, no pay and long hours. Wouldn't you want to revolt after such an atrocity. Also, it was beneficial because so much tension and overall problems were alleviated, which was because everyone was socially equal, and a new state was independent. It wasn't a total failure like you describe, and it is foolish to say that because it didn't affect you it wasn't beneficial at all.
DeleteRegards,
Will McColl/Gen de coleur
As a grand blanc in Haitian society, I am quite appalled at the state of the Haitian Revolution. Society was functioning quite well before this entire mess started. Haiti came to be known as one of the most profitable colonies of the French and I could always count on the loyalty of my slaves to do what they were supposed to do. However, this revolution has caused all of them to turn on us and bring instability to a once great colony. The slaves have managed just fine for many years carrying out their duties and there is no possibility that they can run Haiti as efficiently as us Grand Blancs have done. If this continues, my plantation may never be profitable again and the economy of Haiti could go downhill.
ReplyDeleteDespite the clear failures present with the Haitian Revolution, there are a couple of successes that I can see with this movement. For one thing, it may be good as a whole that we are separating from France. Money is of great importance to me and if we can avoid giving a share of our profits to our colonizer, then I could benefit in the long run. If the grand blancs can continue to dictate Haitian society even after the French leave the colony, then there is potential for us to benefit over time. However, I still firmly believe that it is the safer option if this revolution not continue to go the way it is currently. The idea that our slaves are turning on their owners has me very worried about the state of this colony, and we would be better off without it happening in the first place. As a whole, the Haitian Revolution was not a success the way many claim it to be.
-Grand Blanc/Vihaan Jain
As a gen de coleur or people of color, I believe the Haitian Revolution succeeded in creating an opportunity for people like me to have greater rights and more equality with the free whites of Saint-Domingue. It improved the relationship between all three social groups and helped the rights and the living conditions of slaves to become better. Before the revolution, slaves lived short and miserable lives due to poor working conditions. A slave typically worked from morning until after dusk and receive little to no food from their master throughout the entire day. On top of that, there was a lack of proper sanitation in the plantations and allowed diseases to be spread easily between the slaves and killed numerous people. Field hands had a life expectancy of only twenty years but after the revolution, life expectancy increased and death rates decreased. The life expectancy of other social groups, including free color people, increased as well. Slaves and color people, like me, were able to gain more rights and become full-pledge citizens. This makes me and many color people happy because even though we were considered to be free, we didn’t receive the same privileges and luxury the grand blancs had and we were never able to gain French citizenship. The grand blancs enjoyed a life of luxury and leisure thanks to the labor of the slaves and our services to them. We were technically free, just like the grand blancs, but we did not have the same life that they lived and even suffered discrimination and unfair treatment from them. I was still seen as a slave in the eyes of the whites and I believed that was unjust so I am very pleased that the Haitian Revolution succeed in changing that and expanded my rights. It allowed me to finally become a citizen in Saint-Domingue and more opportunities open up for me.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, the revolution abolished the practice of slavery and prohibit anyone from owning any slaves. While others may see this as a success of the Haitian Revolution, I see it as more of a loss to our colony. I am happy that the slaves were able to gain more freedom after the revolution but I believed that slavery is still needed in order to support our colony and our economy. Thanks to the slaves working in plantations, Saint-Domingue become a prosperous colony and a source of many riches, including sugar, tobacco, and cocoa. Our economy flourished and supplied France with more than half of its imports. In addition, even though slavery was finally banned and independence was obtained, it came at a great price as many French, gen de coleurs, and slaves’ lives were lost in the battle. Deadly firearms and diseases, like the Yellow fever, played major factors in killing thousands of people during the revolution but this could have been avoided. More lives could have been saved if we took a more peaceful way of achieving freedom and independence.
-Gen de coleur/ Ya Xuan Ke
Dear gen de couleur,
DeleteI agree with your statements that the large amounts of death could have been avoided and your appreciation of a society heading towards more equality. I believe strongly in non-violence and although I wanted to solve our problems by compromising with the French, this was not able to happen. The only way we were able to get the French to listen was to get their attention with violence and sadly this led to the death of many. Although there was an apparent decline in our economy because of freed slaves, this was out of my control. I tried my best to maintain the wealth in Saint Domingue by continuing sugar plantations; however, I was seen as the bad guy and people saw my laws as continuing forced labor. Although our economy suffered, please don’t overlook the fact that we became the first black republic and gave hope to other slave revolutions outside of Saint Domingue. We made history and I think the social and political benefits that came from this outweighs the drawback in our economy.
- Ella Chung/ Toussaint Louverture
As a former slave, I think that the biggest success of the Haitian Revolution is that it opened up people like us to more opportunities and gave us a voice in society. I am just as glad as you to know that our country is one step closer to a society that treats everyone with dignity and respect. We used to live in a society where your skin color and class were what made you more or less human. I questioned many times why I, someone who was born equal, was treated so inhumanely and deprived of legal rights. My life changed completely after the Haitian Revolution. I am no longer in captivity of my master and I live more comfortably.
Delete- Former slave, Zola Sayson
As a Grand Blanc, the only remotely positive event that came of this revolution was that Saint-Dominique became independent from France. This allows us to trade with other nations as well as being able to avoid high French tariffs. The revolution had many failures. As a result of the revolution, many white slave owners were killed or were in danger of being killed. The profits of Saint-Dominique also diminished after the revolution as a result of the war that followed. Many slave owners lost their land and their rightful property (slaves). This revolution was absolutely terrible for Saint-Dominique and should have never happened.
ReplyDelete-Grand Blanc/Conrad Heil
Hello, as a gen de couleur, there were many successes and failures of the Haitian revolution. The success of the Haitian revolution was that even though we are not seen as equals by the white people, we still achieved independence and freedom. From the success of the revolution, we gen de color could have even more opportunities in general rights in the future. The success of the revolution brought a path of more rights and equality for the people who were considered lower class and unequal. Not only, did it pave an opportunity for more rights, but it also gave us better working conditions. Before, we had very bad working hours and working conditions however now the working conditions were improving. Finally, from this revolution, the gen de couleur people of Haiti could finally be citizens instead of just considered slaves.
ReplyDeleteEven with successes, there were failures as well. A failure of the revolution was that even though we were independent, they could not get rid of the plantations that were utilized during the colonial rule since it was a big part of the economy. WIthout the plantations, the economy of Haiti would not survive and so the gen de couleur still had to work in the plantations. It was freedom through paper however, people were still forced to work in the plantations since it was necessary for the economy to survive.
Sarah kim/ gen de couleur
As a former slave, I agree that the Haitian Revolution definitely brought us independence and equal rights for all men. Us slaves, who take up much of Haiti's population, were able to gain freedom from these slave owners who treated us with no mercy and have rights to do things we enjoy. Although plantation were still need to survive and we still need to put works for plantation but now, we are doing it for our own benefic, we are harvesting crops for our own gain instead of upper classes or France citizens. Therefore, we can receive more raw materials and good crops for ourselves which will help increase our life status and living.
DeleteUnfortunately by obtaining your "independence and equal rights", you caused chaos and disorder in my empire. Besides that, you forced me to send 30,000 troops into your land with no avail and with a severe number of deaths and casualties. All of your decisions have been selfish and about the betterment of yourselves. However, as uncivilized black slaves, you should not even have the right to mention freedom and disobey your masters. You have created a tarnish in French history through your ignorance and violence in the name of your supposed "independence and equal rights".
Delete- Napoleon/Jessica Wu
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ReplyDeleteAs a former slave, I would say the Haitian Revolution benefic me a lot personally. I am truly grateful for the result of this revolution and all positive outcome I received in my life. In my position, there are definitely many successes but still have a couple of failure in the Haitian Revolution.
ReplyDeleteSome of the successes in this revolution include the independence of Haiti that allow us slaves to be free and the gaining of more rights and freedom for slave. When Haiti was still under the control of France, it gave slaves many hard times for centuries. slaves owners didn't treat us like a normal human being, we lived in poor condition with harsh punishments. We need to work for long hours without having enough paid which decrease our family life. But now with the independence of Haiti and abolishment of slavery, I can finally be myself and what whatever I like to do. I'm able to live a better life and to have enough food each day. I can finally feel free and have the rights to do certain things that I wasn't allow before.
Although Haitian Revolution brought many great benefics for my life, there were also some downside to this. For example, life expectancy drop tremendously for the slaves due to the spread of diseases and long hours of work time. Also, the Haitian Revolution was the only successful black rebellion, which mean there are still thousands of slaves suffering in their land and live under a place with no freedom or rights.
Patricia Song // Former Slaves
Dear former slave,
DeleteI still am utterly disgusted with how you and other slaves acted during the revolution. You had no right in destroying the plantations that I owned, that I worked hard to maintain and control. In addition, you and other slaves abandoned your work which is extremely inappropriate and should result in extreme consequences. Those plantations are why San Domingue was sustainable, they provided for majority of the economy. By working in the plantations, you helped to contribute to keeping our colony prosperous. However, now that you’ve destroyed all of them, San Domingue will suffer. It is unjust for you to rebel and ruin all the hard work I have done. However, I will say that I also believe that the Haitian Revolution was successful only because we had gained independence from France.
-Grand Blanc/Gabi Franco
As Napoleon, the Emperor of France, I believe that the Haitian Revolution has caused disorder in my empire, and this is disorder is something that I can not tolerate and allow to continue. The only success in this Haitian Revolution was that not all of the slave owners were completely annihilated and that I sent 30,000 troops to Saint Domingue in order to restore peace and order to the land. However, the failure that resulted was that my idiot brother-in-law, Charles Leclerc, was unable to stop the rebellion and France ended up losing Saint Domingue because they became an independent republic. As a military hero and genius, this is a humiliating defeat and blow to my ego, especially because these slaves are black .
ReplyDelete- Napoleon/Jessica Wu
I am Toussaint Louverture, leader of the Haitian revolution and a freed slave. I was an effective leader during this time because I was educated and knew how to read and write. After the French revolution and the Declaration of the Rights of Man was written, the slaves in Saint-Domingue started a slave revolt; however I wanted to compromise with the Europeans to avoid the use of violence. The people of Haiti and I stood for the idea that we should have the same rights and freedom that the French are promoting in their own republic. Because the Europeans would not accept my compromise, I organized a disciplined military and helped slaves legally become free and equal, removing tensions created by race. I created a new constitution and ruled over Saint-Domingue, but technically Saint-Domingue was not officially independent from France. Overall, I believe the Haitian Revolution was mostly successful because it gave slaves freedom and allowed Saint-Domingue to become the first free black republic.
ReplyDeleteFollowing the emancipation of slaves, Haiti grew unstable in their economy and political affairs and this is one of my biggest faults. There was a decline in population and disagreement in government. Also, mainly because of the drastic change in our economy and Napoleon’s desires to regain their most successful sugar colony, chaos and war returned. Because our nation was not completely independent from France, and because of the instability in Saint-Domingue, Napoleon was summoned for help. The involvement of France reinstituted slavery and this made the people unhappy again and this started war between the French and slaves. The victory of these slaves led to the official independence of the colony. This revolution inspired other slaves in other colonies to their own revolutions and showed them the potential they hold. The overall success of the Haitian revolution resulted in a step towards equality and freedom for slaves.
-Ella Chung/Toussaint Louverture
As the new consul of France, I, Napoleon Bonaparte, believe that this uprising in Haiti is nothing but a waste to our nation. This revolution is useless, as the resources and goods from Haiti that previously benefit France economically are now gone, and that this revolution had no use. There were many faults within this revolution, such as the failures of the plantation owners to control these slaves, and that there was little accomplishment from this catastrophe. Firstly, if the plantation owners on Haiti were able to control the slave rebellion from getting out of hand in the first place, it would not have gotten so out of hand. Another failure of this revolution is the fact that nothing was accomplished by these slaves! They should be thanking us that they have work to do on their island, and that they are benefitting such a great nation with their resources. Although no action occurring from this revolution was a good thing, it proves that this revolution was just a waste of time for everyone in Haiti and France. Thus I do not have anything to say for the successes of this revolution. It did nothing but cause an unwanted headache for myself and others in charge.
ReplyDelete- Anne Janel Zapanta/Napoleon Bonaparte
As a gen de couleur, I would like to point out the issue with your stance. The point of the French Revolution was to provide freedom and rights to the free men of the world, ensuring that autocracy would never dominate the people again. That is blatantly against what your actions represent, being the leader of the new French Empire. So I believe it is not up to some self-proclaimed emperor as to what our free society of Haiti is to do. For the people in charge, it is time for unwanted headaches, because the time of tyranny is up.
Delete- Ryan Lockhart/ Gen de couleur
Some successes of the Haitian Revolution was the freedom of the slaves, that broke their backs doing work for their owners on plantations and in refineries. Slavery was also abolished in Haiti when the French government finally decided it should end. In the end Haiti finally gained independence from France and became its own country. A failure of this revolution is when Napoleon decided to come and go back to the old european ways, meaning slavery. He did this by sending Charles Leclerc and his forces in to Haiti where I made an agreement with him, but the french broke the agreement.
ReplyDelete- Ariana Espin/Louverture
I disagree with you, Louverture, in some the successes and failures of the Haitian Revolution. One of the most monumental failures was the freedom of the slaves. Slaves are the way of my livelihood, producing the income I need to be profitable. The only good thing that came out of this uprising was our independence from the French government. Instead of selling to the highest buyer, we had to exclusively trade with the French.
DeleteI was sick and tired of them regulating the trade of my crops.
-Giulia Fornesi/Grand Blanc
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DeleteIn response to the Grand Blanc, I disagree with your point. The only purpose of slaves is to increase production of sugar so France could make money. They had no business rebelling, and destroying French influence. You may say that France's control over Haiti's exports was bad for you, but without France's protection you would just be under the control of another country like Spain or France who did not care about revolutionary ideals. In addition, instead of having more trade partners all of the European countries were wary of trading with Haiti due to their rebellion, which ended enormous amounts of trade.
Delete- Alex Wong/Napoleon
As a grand blanc, the Haitian Revolution was somewhat of a success. Though I already had a quite comfortable life of luxury and leisure, I wanted freedom from the French Government in my life. I am tired of having to trade exclusively with the French. I want to sell to the people who will give me the most profit. I also want to govern my own plot of land, not having the French control it all. I believe in the goals of the French Revolution, them being liberty, equality, and fraternity. Through the revolution, I was able to successfully get more freedom that I had ever expected from the French Government. Instead of getting the little bit of extra room I was hoping for, I was rewarded with total independence from France. On the other hand, the Haitian Revolution had some consequences that, as a grand blanc, I was not pleased with. As you may have heard, the economy of Haiti is based on slavery and the plantations that fill its lands. With this revolution, we lost a lot of our work force and land. During the revolution, our plantations were set ablaze and destroyed. For those of us whose property had been burnt, we had lost our way of making money. For those whose plantations didn’t burn, we did not profit as much from before, but we were freed from the rule of the French.
ReplyDelete-Giulia Fornesi/Grand Blanc
I am a gen de coleur of Haiti. There were many successes and failures of the Haitian Revolution. In terms of successes, the most major one was that me and all of the other gen de coleurs were granted equal rights to French men, which was wonderful because race shouldn't determine how prosperous someone can be or what they can and can't do. As a free person looking back, it was great that slaves were free, because I previously was a slave and that life was absolutely terrible. This equality makes me happy, as I have outgrown my old slave owning days as well with the knowledge of the French Revolution. It was also great that we were able to become independent from France and start again as our own entity. Politically, we were able to create a new government that was adapted specifically to our conditions.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of failures, although I do feel for the slaves that were liberated, I think that a little bit of slavery wouldn't have been terrible for our new liberated economy, because we would need some sort of way to hold the newborn economy upright to prevent it from crashing. My only other qualm was that this didn't happen sooner, because race should never determine opportunity or determine what is possible. If this had happen sooner, I am sure that a more politically united and strengthened state would emerge as we wouldn't have spent as long of a time oppressed. A final failure was that many failed uprisings occurred that damaged black populations, which was very unfortunate.
Will McColl/Gen de coleur
As a gen de couleur of Haiti, I had rights similar to the Spanish Creoles in Mexico, being a mixed person, but having freedom and rights. Having worked the first part of my life as a slave, I understand the struggles of being enslaved by corrupt officials/governments. The successes of the Haitian Revolution include, the partial increase of rights to slaves and equal rights to all free men, regardless of race. The benefit of giving partial rights to slaves is that we are able to function an efficient trading economy, but also treat these slaves with more respect and decency. The benefit of equality to all men is that it removes the long term system of judging people because of their class and race, over their skill. That means someone like me, who does not come directly from Europe, could now maintain a significant political or economic position in the government. This would allow me to voice my opinion, which is one of the largest goals of the French Revolution.
ReplyDeleteHowever, pertaining to the failures, there are a few prominent ones that are only inherent because of the nature of revolution. The biggest is the complete revocation of the system of slavery, which, in my opinion, would dreadfully ruin our economy and the greater good of Haiti. If we are to survive and compete in the world economy, we must do it with our plantations, and there are no people volunteering to work in them. Also, the checks and balances of our new government system is worrisome. This is because there is no definitive assurance that our leader will be qualified to lead us, which unfortunately happened in France.
Ryan Lockhart/Gens de couleur
As Napoleon Bonaparte, I wholeheartedly believe that the Haitian revolution was a complete disaster from nearly all angles. The most important downfall of the revolution was their complete destruction of their own economy and the weakening of France’s. Their war wasted enormous sums of money on both sides, which put both of us into more debt at a critical time where other countries like the hated British were trying to take over. In addition, they impoverished themselves by foolishly believing they could make money outside of sugar plantations. But rather than it providing freedom, instead it provided starvation and despair. Had the French still been running the colony at least those slaves could be fed. It would have been much better for everyone! Finally, while originally when Haiti was a colony they could only trade with France, at least they had trading partners in the first place! This foolish revolution undermined all diplomatic relations between Haiti and other European powers, cutting them off from trade. In the end, this economic instability lead directly to more poverty and terrible lives of Haitians
ReplyDeleteAnother disaster of this revolution was the enormous death toll that could’ve been avoided. Had L’Overture been more willing to negotiate with us and reach a settlement where Haiti wasn’t so rebellious we would have had a peaceful transition. But no, he was willing to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides.
I personally hate how this rebellion caused the downfall of all of my designs to restore French North American colonial rule! We could have become the foremost colonial power in the region and surpassed France.
I will concede that emancipation was confirmed for Haitians, and allowed them to have more rights. However, the aftermath was political instability, assassinations, and subterfuge which undermined the rights of most people making their political rights almost nonexistent.
Alex Wong/Napoleon
No revolution has been as successful in abolishing slavery as the Haitian Revolution. As a former slave, I think the Haitian Revolution was very successful and I have little to say about its failures. It's about time we put an end to this racist society we live in. For centuries, we slaves were treated as property and reduced to the lowest status. We were overworked to death and every day, we had to endure harsh working conditions. We were sold away like objects. We had no rights, no voice, and no opportunities. For many years, I had to fight for the rights that were given to white men, and to no avail. The Haitian Revolution was a turning point in my life as a slave. Not only did I become free, but I was finally treated as an equal. To me, the Revolution was successful as it achieved its goal of eliminating slavery and winning independence from Spain. It not only secured my own independence but my country’s as well.
ReplyDeleteThe only failure I know of that was a result of the Haitian Revolution was the deaths of many Haitians involved in the fight between slaves and their masters. It was absolutely unnecessary for this many people to die in a fight in which violence was not the main goal, rather it was the achieving of freedom and liberty. A majority of those who died were slaves. It saddens me to know that the slaves who died did not get to experience the freedom they wanted for so long.
- Former slave, Zola Sayson
Dear former slave, as Napoleon I believe the Haitian Revolution had no significance for the greater good of France. It was an uprising that wasted French resources in Haiti, and the slaves on the island had no purpose other than to work for my nation. Now with your independence, you will not survive without French support. Yet you must not blame the French for the deaths of slaves during this revolution, as the slaves were the ones that caused this uprising in the first place.
Delete- Anne Janel Zapanta/Napoleon
As a gen de couleur, I agree with you that our independence was something to celebrate. It was much deserved and did great things for our country. However, I do not think that the only failure of the revolution was the death of some slaves. Although that is saddening, I also think that our economy's downfall was something to be concerned about. I don't slaves should hold all the responsibility of carrying the economy, but without slave labor we need new ways to support our economy.
Delete- gen de couleur/Leah Larocco
As a grand blanc, I believe that there were many failures within the Haitian revolution. One of these failures of the revolution is how we lost many crops due to the rebellion of the slaves. This was very unnecessary as it effected our whole economy. We used these crops to improve our economy through trade and to have for ourselves. How could you slaves think that it was ok to rebel against us who offerer you shelter and food? This revolution caused many economic problems for Haiti in which could have been prevented if the Haitian Revolution did not happen.
ReplyDeleteHowever, even though there were failures within this revolution, I believe that there were some successes within this revolution. One of these successes include how our state became independent from France. Our independence from France is important because it gave us a new government and political system for us to run. Overall, even though there was an economic failure within the revolution, our independence from France is a success.
Alexander Jung/A Grand Blanc
You speak of how your crops were destroyed which would affect the stability of your life, but understand this, we slaves had to undergo poor treatment by the upperclass. The hold France had on Haiti was too strong. In order to gain independence, a rebellion was, in fact, necessary. Also, the only thing to do when dealing with a downfall is to rise again. All in all, this successful revolution wouldn't've been possible if nothing was lost. We will come back from where we are, and we will become stronger.
Delete- Former slave/Arielle Sevilla
The Haitian Revolution is something I’m completely supportive of. Unfortunately, there are failures that come with the successes of the Revolution.
ReplyDeleteThe independence that came with the success of the revolution was extremely beneficial. With this also was the abolition of slavery. Slavery is immoral, and with Enlightenment ideas, the abolition came much easier. My life as a slave was terrible. I underwent both terrible working conditions and treatment. Not only that, but I was also separated from my family. The upper class has never dealt with the hardships I’ve faced. In all honesty, there is some resentment I hold, but the freedom I’ve gained is something I won’t jeopardize. Us former slaves were never treated like human beings.
Although I am extremely grateful for receiving freedom from my previous hardships, I am aware as many former slaves are of the deaths of those that suffered just like me. Of course, there is no revolution that comes without casualties, but I can’t stand quiet as though I’m unbothered. This really is the only thing I find myself dissatisfied with.
All in all, I’m grateful the Haitian Revolution happened. My life has completely changed from dealing with my unjust lifestyle due to the hold France had on Haiti. Even with that being said, my mind will never be rid of the deaths that came with the revolution. I’m still indebted to everyone who fought to be free from the motherland.
- Former slave/Arielle Sevilla
As a gen de couleur, I think that the Haitian Revolution was both successful and unsuccessful. The Haitian was successful because we were able to gain independence from France. This was important as it allowed for more rights for the people and freedom for our country to rule the way it wanted to without having to answer to a mother-country. Our independence was so significant because we were the first independent nation in the Caribbean. After we became independent, we created a democracy, as well as the first black republic. Another successful part of the revolution was that we gained the right to vote.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there were some downfalls of the Haitian revolution. The economy was severely impacted because of the abolishment of slavery. We relied on slave labor to keep our economy strong. Without slave labor, crop production and harvesting declined. Another bad effect of the Haitian revolution were the uprisings of black slaves that were unsuccessful and damaging to the black community. All in all, since I want the best for my country the economic losses were devastating, but the political gains were liberating. But with all the pros and cons, the Haitian revolution led the way for other Caribbean nations’ independence.
- gen de couleur/Leah Larocco
I agree that the fact that we gained Independence from France is a successful part of the Haitian revolution, and that it had a serious effect on the economy. I think that even though the majority gained the right to vote and freedom, our economy is in bad shape. The fact that we made the first black republic and the first successful slave uprising is historically significant. I disagree however when you say that the uprising of black slaves was unsuccessful and that it was damaging to the black community. I think that the bad economy was damaging to the black community, because we were already suffering from the lack of experience of running a country. I don't think that the uprising was unsuccessful because we did gain our freedom and we did create the first black republic, showing that we were successful.
Deleteformer slave- Hermela Shoarega
As a former slave, I took part of the Haitian Revolution with pride and because I wanted freedom. No longer am I chained to whips of masters or bleed in the sugar fields of my master's plantation. No longer do I have to be afraid or angry, because I have my freedom and I got my justice. The Haitian Revolution will hopefully inspire other countries to do the same, to free themselves from their capturers. Now the people of Haiti can have a say in their government, in their economy, in their lives. We can finally be in charge, and no longer have to take orders from the white or the freed mixed. We can decide who is our leader, what our government should be like, and we no longer have to face oppression.
ReplyDeleteBut if only we had our freedom sooner, or were given just an ounce of respect. Because now, even though we can, we are incapable of running a country ourselves, because we never learned how. This is foreign territory that we are walking on, because we were made to be dumb, to be uneducated so they could keep control. ALmost all of us don't know how to read or write, never given basic education, or even given an inkling of knowledge of economics of politics. I fear that this will be our downfall, even after everything we have been through.
-former slave/Hermela Shoarega