L04 Haitian Revolution Flashcards
What societal structure characterized much of colonial Latin America?
A system ordered along racial lines, adding complexity to social and political relationships.
What is significant about the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804)?
It was the first and only successful revolution by slaves in the modern era.
How can the Haitian Revolution be described in terms of its components?
How can the Haitian Revolution be described in terms of its components?
A: It was three revolutions in one:
1.A pre-emptive rebellion by conservative white landholders for independence.
2.An attempt by free blacks to secure citizen status and challenge white power.
3.An uprising by the largest slave population outside the U.S. and Brazil.
Who were the Creoles?
People of Spanish or Portuguese descent born in the Americas (approx. 3.5 million; 23% of population).
What is the definition of Mestizos?
People of mixed race in colonial Latin America.
Who were the Peninsulares?
People born in Spain or Portugal living in the Americas (approx. 30,000; 0.1% of population).
Who are Ameridians?
The indigenous population of colonial Latin America.
What initiated the Haitian Revolution?
It began on rumors, escalating into a rebellion and ultimately a race war.
How was Saint Domingue viewed by the French?
As a land of opportunity and a place to make money.
What led to the economic boom in Saint Domingue after 1700?
The extensive use of slavery, transforming it into a sugar colony, and later into coffee and indigo production.
What percentage of the world’s coffee and sugar did Saint Domingue produce?
60% of the world’s coffee and 40% of the world’s sugar.
Why was Saint Domingue important to France’s economy?
It represented 40% of France’s international trade and two-thirds of France’s overseas investment.
What defined Saint Domingue as a “slave society”?
Slavery was essential to every aspect of life, with about 465,000 slaves out of a total population of 524,000 in 1789.
What was the Code Noir?
A set of laws (Black Codes) from 1685 governing the conduct of slave owners, providing minimal protections for slaves.
What percentage of the population did white landholders represent in Saint Domingue?
Less than 6%.
What methods did French colonists use to prevent slave uprisings?
They separated slaves from the same tribes, restricted movement, forbade gatherings, and employed brutal punishments.
What actions did white landholders take during the French Revolution?
They sought political and economic independence, supporting the Third Estate’s challenge against royal privilege while avoiding the slavery issue.
How did the growing radicalization of the French Revolution affect white landowners?
It pushed them toward seeking independence from France.
How did whites respond to free blacks seeking representation in the Estates General?
Whites blocked free blacks from securing representation and attempted to prevent their influence in the National Assembly.
What did the Laws of March 1790 establish regarding colonies?
They allowed colonies to regulate their own internal affairs and authorized “citizens” to elect representatives to local assemblies.
Why were free blacks excluded from participation in the Estates General?
White landholders believed they had the right to determine citizenship and excluded blacks, viewing them as non-citizens.
What was the outcome of the insurrection led by Vincent Ogé in 1790?
The insurrection failed to achieve its goals, leading to a brutal response from whites that disillusioned many free blacks.
What was the “Rewbell Amendment” (1791)?
An amendment granting full political rights to free men of color whose parents were also free, though it affected very few people.
What factors contributed to the organization of the slave insurrection in Saint Domingue?
The influence of the French Revolution, the Rewbell Amendment, harsh conditions of slavery, and societal divisions.
What event marked the beginning of the insurrection on August 14?
A Voodoo ceremony led by Boukman Dutty, where he prophesied military leaders for the revolt.
What happened after a fire was set at a plantation in North Province?
A slave was interrogated, revealed the entire plot, but whites did not believe him.
How did the colonial administration respond to the rebellion in North Province?
They were caught completely off-guard and struggled to decide whether to send military forces to the countryside or protect the cities.
When did the rebellion officially begin, and how many slaves participated within weeks?
The rebellion began on the night of August 22-23, 1791, with as many as 100,000 slaves in rebellion within weeks.
Who did the royal governor and Colonial Assembly seek help from during the rebellion?
They sent pleas for help to the Spanish in Santo Domingo, the British in Jamaica, and the United States
What was the policy of the French government regarding Saint Domingue?
The policy remained consistent: to retain control of Saint Domingue at all costs.
