Ch. 3 “Republican Emancipation in Saint-Domingue, Flashcards
What was the main feature of the new order in Saint-Domingue after 1793?
The new order sought to eliminate slavery but maintain the plantation system that created the colony’s wealth.
How did the black population of Saint-Domingue view the plantation system?
To the black population, the plantation system was synonymous with slavery, even after the abolition.
What was a key challenge for Saint-Domingue’s new governing elites after the abolition of slavery?
They struggled to convince the former slaves that they had a stake in the new social order.
How did the French government view Saint-Domingue after the abolition of slavery?
The French government wanted Saint-Domingue to continue providing the valuable exports it had before 1791.
What was becoming increasingly likely by the end of 1798 between Saint-Domingue and France?
The possibility of a conflict between Saint-Domingue and France, threatening to destroy the trans-Atlantic experiment of 1793.
What major political figure emerged in Saint-Domingue between 1793 and 1798?
Toussaint Louverture emerged as a powerful political and military figure, becoming the ruler of most of Saint-Domingue.
How did France’s government respond to the idea of a black leader governing Saint-Domingue?
France accepted the idea of Toussaint Louverture, a black ex-slave, governing Saint-Domingue as part of a republican empire without racial distinctions.
What were the views of the French government and the Saint-Domingue governing elites on the plantation system post-1793?
Both believed the plantation system, which created the colony’s wealth, had to be maintained even after the abolition of slavery.
What was the significance of the Republican Emancipation period in Saint-Domingue from 1793 to 1798?
It suggested the possibility of a peaceful outcome to the struggles, with the creation of a society where slavery was abolished, and people of all colors enjoyed the same legal rights.
What shift occurred in international attitudes towards Saint-Domingue during the period of Republican Emancipation?
Governments like Britain and the U.S., initially fearful of Saint-Domingue’s upheavals, began adjusting to the new situation and considered how they could benefit from it
Why was Toussaint Louverture’s leadership a challenge for the French government?
Louverture’s growing authority posed a challenge to French control, and by the end of 1798, the potential for conflict between Saint-Domingue and France was growing.
What difficulties did Sonthonax and Polverel face after issuing their emancipation decrees in 1793?
They were separated from each other and surrounded by foreign occupiers, with their decrees having no effect in areas controlled by the British and Spanish forces.
What was a key factor in turning the tide in favor of the French cause in Saint-Domingue in late 1793?
The foreign invaders, including the British, suffered heavy losses from disease, and many free men of color switched support to the French when they realized the British would not treat them equally.
What impact did the Spanish promises to the black generals Jean-François, Biassou, and Toussaint Louverture have in Saint-Domingue?
These generals remained hostile to the French but spent much of their energy fighting among themselves rather than capturing key French positions like Cap Français.
What major event in February 1794 shifted revolutionary policy on slavery?
The French National Convention decreed the abolition of slavery in all its colonies, making all men in the colonies French citizens with equal rights.
How did Toussaint Louverture react to the French Convention’s abolition decree?
In May 1794, Toussaint Louverture shifted his allegiance from the Spanish to the French, possibly influenced by the decree, though his motivations remain unclear.
How was Toussaint Louverture’s decision to join the French in May 1794 significant?
It was a decisive turning point in the struggle against slavery, though his exact motivations remain unclear. Louverture either joined the French to promote emancipation or for personal advancement.
What was the significance of the French Convention’s decree of 16 pluviôse?
The decree abolished slavery in all French colonies and declared all men in the colonies to be French citizens with equal rights.
What impact did the French Convention’s abolition decree have in Saint-Domingue?
What impact did the French Convention’s abolition decree have in Saint-Domingue?
Answer: The success of applying the decree depended on the outcome of the ongoing military struggle, including the support of Toussaint Louverture’s forces.
Why was Toussaint Louverture’s shift in allegiance in May 1794 important?
His shift from the Spanish to the French strengthened the French position in Saint-Domingue and demonstrated his growing political and military influence.
What event highlighted Louverture’s rising authority in Saint-Domingue by mid-1794?
His involvement in the attack on the Spanish garrison at Gonaïves marked his definitive break from the Spanish and reinforced his leadership within the colony.
How did Toussaint Louverture shift the balance of power in Saint-Domingue in 1794?
Toussaint Louverture brought 4,000 soldiers under French control, greatly altering the balance of power and aiding the French cause in Saint-Domingue.
What areas did Toussaint Louverture control after joining the French?
Toussaint controlled the former “Cordon of the West,” dividing the North Province from the West, and separating the British from other forces.
What advantage did Toussaint Louverture have despite less military experience than other commanders?
Toussaint proved to be the most capable leader due to his strategic positioning and leadership despite having less experience than free colored commanders.
What differentiated Toussaint Louverture from the wealthy mixed-race elites in colonial society?
Unlike the wealthy mixed-race elites who often inherited wealth, Toussaint did not accumulate much wealth and returned to work on his former owner’s plantation after freeing his family.
How did Toussaint Louverture’s background contribute to his rise in power?
Born into slavery, Toussaint was the son of an African military commander. His background and education allowed him to navigate the complex colonial society and rise to power after gaining freedom.
How did Toussaint Louverture’s letters to General Laveaux between 1794-1796 reveal his leadership qualities?
Toussaint Louverture was attentive to military details, strategic planning, and ensuring his troops had supplies. He also used captured white prisoners to train his soldiers.
What political skills helped Toussaint Louverture become a dominant figure in Saint-Domingue?
What political skills helped Toussaint Louverture become a dominant figure in Saint-Domingue?
Answer: Toussaint knew how to win subordinates’ loyalty through praise and rewards, and was adept at assessing the motives of others while concealing his own.
How did Toussaint Louverture maintain balance among different racial groups in Saint-Domingue?
How did Toussaint Louverture maintain balance among different racial groups in Saint-Domingue?
Answer: Toussaint kept good relations with members of all racial groups—blacks, free men of color, and whites—while avoiding full identification with any group.
How did Toussaint Louverture’s leadership compare with other black leaders during the Haitian Revolution?
Toussaint distinguished himself by associating his subordinates with key decisions and recruiting skilled officers, like Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henry Christophe, who played major roles in later struggles.
How did Toussaint Louverture present himself to the black population in his proclamation in early 1796?
He called himself a “father who adores them” and urged the blacks to remember that he was the first to raise the standard of insurrection against tyranny.
Question: What stance did Toussaint Louverture take on the plantation system and labor after 1793?
While defending former slaves’ freedom, Toussaint insisted that freedom did not mean an escape from plantation work and enforced regulations to maintain agricultural production.
What distinguished Toussaint Louverture from orthodox French republicanism regarding religion?
Toussaint continued to express his religious sentiments, emphasizing principles of non-violence and Christian values, which contrasted with the French government’s hostility toward the Catholic Church during this period.
