Haitian Revolution Flashcards
What happened in 1695?
The Treaty of Ryswick was signed
between France and Spain.
Significance of Treaty of Ryswick?
It ended the Nine Years’ War and formalized French control of the western part of Hispaniola, which became St. Domingue.
Which part of Hispaniola did France gain?
France gained the western part, later called St. Domingue.
What happened in 1734?
the colonists began to cultivate coffee.
What crops were cultivated in St. Domingue by 1788?
By 1788, St. Domingue had 800 sugar plantations, 3,000 coffee plantations, 800 cotton plantations, and 2,950 indigo plantations.
What made St. Domingue the world’s premier sugar producer?
St. Domingue was the world’s leading sugar producer, producing more sugar than all the British colonies combined, making it the largest source of sugar in the global market.
What was the ‘exclusive’ system introduced by the French government?
The ‘exclusive’ system forced colonists to buy manufactured goods from France and have them transported on French ships, limiting trade options and benefiting French merchants.
How did the ‘exclusive’ system affect the economy of St. Domingue?
It kept the colony dependent on France for manufactured goods, reducing economic autonomy but ensuring French dominance in trade and profit.
What role did enslaved Africans play in St. Domingue’s economy?
Enslaved Africans worked on the plantations, providing the labor needed to produce sugar, coffee, and other crops, which were the backbone of St. Domingue’s economy.
What percentage of Europe’s tropical produce did St. Domingue supply?
St. Domingue supplied half of Europe’s tropical produce, including sugar, coffee, cotton, and indigo.
Who governed St. Domingue?
Officials were sent from France to govern St. Domingue.
Who was the head of the government?
the Governor and the Intendant.
What were the roles of the Governor and Intendant?
The Governor was the King’s representative, and the Intendant was responsible for justice, finance, and administration.
Who were part of the government staff?
The staff included senior officials who assisted the Governor and Intendant in running the colony.
What was the 1787 assembly in St. Domingue?
The assembly was made up of the wealthiest and most powerful whites, meant to represent local opinion, but it had no legislative power and was only advisory.
What was the function of the assembly in 1787?
The assembly had an advisory role with no legislative authority, meaning it could not pass laws.
What was the social structure in St. Domingue?
St. Domingue had a stratified social structure with different classes, including the Grands Blancs, Petits Blancs, Mulattoes, and Enslaved Africans.
Who were the Grands Blancs?
The Grands Blancs were the wealthiest and most powerful whites, including top royal officials, planters, merchants, and professional men.
What was the role of the Petits Blancs?
The Petits Blancs were the lower class of whites, such as artisans, shopkeepers, and bookkeepers, who had less wealth and influence than the Grands Blancs.
Who were the Mulattoes and Free Coloureds?
The Mulattoes and Free Coloureds were people of mixed African and European descent, many of whom were free and held some social status, though they faced discrimination.
What was the status of Free Negroes in St. Domingue?
Free Negroes were African-descended individuals who were not enslaved but still faced social discrimination and were often limited in their rights and opportunities.
Who were the Enslaved Africans in St. Domingue?
Enslaved Africans were the lowest class, forced to work on plantations under brutal conditions, and made up the majority of the population in the colony.
How were the whites in St. Domingue divided?
The whites were divided into two main groups: the Grand Blancs and the Petit Blancs, with significant differences in wealth, education, and power.
Who were the Grand Blancs?
The Grand Blancs had property and education and controlled the colonial assembly.
They were generally “France-born”.
Who were the Petit Blancs?
The Petit Blancs were poorer and had very little education and political power. They
were generally “St. Domingue- born”.
What was the difference in education between the Grand Blancs and Petit Blancs?
The Grand Blancs were generally well-educated, while the Petit Blancs had very little formal education.
Where were the Grand Blancs and Petit Blancs born?
The Grand Blancs were usually born in France, while the Petit Blancs were generally born in St. Domingue.
What was the economic status of the Free Coloureds and Mulattoes in St. Domingue?
Free Coloureds and Mulattoes owned a third of the real estate and personal property in the colony.
Did the Free Coloureds and Mulattoes have the same rights as whites?
No, they were denied social and political equality with whites
How were the Free Coloureds and Mulattoes viewed by the Petit Blancs?
They were resented by the Petit Blancs, who saw them as a challenge to their social status and privileges.
What were the restrictive laws of 1776 that affected the Free Coloureds and Mulattoes?
The laws of 1776 took away many privileges, including the right to hold public office, legal positions, or serve as officers in the militia.
What restrictions did the Free Coloureds and Mulattoes face regarding firearms?
They were not allowed to carry firearms, unlike whites.
