L04 - Republican Emancipation in Saint-Domingue, 1793-1798 Flashcards
What major change occurred in Saint-Domingue between 1791 and 1793?
Saint-Domingue transformed from the wealthiest and most exploitative New World slave society to a colony where slavery was abolished, and the black population became legally free.
What happened to the political and military power in Saint-Domingue by 1793?
Whites lost their monopoly, many fled the island, and free men of color rose to top positions in the French army and political power.
What were the competing forces in Saint-Domingue during the early 1790s?
Revolutionary France fought against its European enemies, including Spanish and British forces, alongside internal uprisings.
What characterized Saint-Domingue from 1793 to 1798?
The violence gradually subsided, and a racially egalitarian society began to emerge with slavery officially abolished.
Who primarily composed the French army in Saint-Domingue after 1793?
Soldiers of African descent fighting under the French colors.
What role did Toussaint Louverture play during this period?
Louverture emerged as the ruler of most of Saint-Domingue, using his military and political talents to stabilize the colony.
How did France’s government respond to the situation in Saint-Domingue by the late 1790s?
It appeared to accept the idea of the colony being governed by a black ex-slave as part of a republican empire without racial distinctions.
What was the initial reaction of Britain and the United States to the upheavals in Saint-Domingue?
They feared the events might spread to their territories but later adjusted and sought to use the situation to their advantage in conflicts with France.
What possibility did the period of “republican emancipation” (1793–1798) suggest?
It suggested the potential for a peaceful resolution to the struggles in Saint-Domingue.
What was the goal of French authorities in Saint-Domingue during the 1790s despite the abolition of slavery?
To ensure the plantation system continued to operate, even without slavery.
What decision did the French National Convention make on July 16, 1793, regarding Sonthonax and Polverel?
They voted to recall the two commissioners and put them on trial for abusing their powers.
How did white colonists in France react to the actions of Sonthonax and Polverel in Saint-Domingue?
They lobbied against them, accusing them of aiding France’s enemies and destroying the colony.
Why did Sonthonax and Polverel continue their mission despite their recall?
Abandoning their mission would have divided Saint-Domingue between foreign occupiers and local warlords, jeopardizing the abolition decrees.
Why did the British invasion of Saint-Domingue fail to gain significant ground?
British troops suffered heavy losses from disease and faced resistance, including from free men of color who switched allegiance to the French.
What internal conflicts weakened the black leaders allied with the Spanish?
Leaders like Jean-François, Biassou, and Toussaint Louverture spent as much energy fighting each other as they did opposing the French.
How did the Spanish alienate black leaders in Saint-Domingue?
The Spanish government’s guarantees of property to white colonists showed they were not committed to abolition.
What significant decree did the French National Convention issue on February 4, 1794 (16 pluviôse Year II)?
The decree abolished slavery in all French colonies and declared all men in the colonies, regardless of color, French citizens with equal rights.
Who were the three deputies from Saint-Domingue that influenced the National Convention in 1794?.
Louis Dufay (white colonist), Jean-Baptiste Belley (free black officer), and Jean-Baptiste Mills (free man of color)
What argument did Louis Dufay present to the National Convention?
He argued that abolition was necessary to keep Saint-Domingue French and assured that freed slaves would work and fight for the colony.
Why is Toussaint Louverture’s “turnaround” in May 1794 considered a decisive moment?
It strengthened the French position in Saint-Domingue and promoted the cause of emancipation.
What marked Toussaint Louverture’s significant shift in allegiance in May 1794?
He switched from supporting the Spanish to joining the French, possibly motivated by the abolition decree or his rivalry with other black leaders.
What contradiction undermined Spanish efforts to win over Saint-Domingue’s population?
The Spanish guaranteed property rights to whites while simultaneously trying to support black insurgents.
How did the National Convention celebrate the decree of abolition?
With a public ceremony in Notre Dame, declaring it a new era of human history and emphasizing natural liberty.
Who painted the iconic portrait of Jean-Baptiste Belley, a deputy from Saint-Domingue?
Anne-Louis Girodet-Trioson, a leading French artist of the revolutionary period.
Why were Sonthonax and Polverel recalled by the French National Convention in July 1793?
They were accused of abusing their powers and labeled as traitors bent on destroying Saint-Domingue to aid France’s enemies.
What challenges did foreign forces face in Saint-Domingue in late 1793?
British soldiers and their allies suffered heavy losses from disease and failed to penetrate inland from the coastal areas.
What does Girodet’s portrait of Jean-Baptiste Belley symbolize?
It highlights the Enlightenment ideals of equality and Belley’s role as a black deputy in the French legislature.
Why did some free men of color switch allegiance from the British to the French?
They realized the British did not intend to treat them equally with white French colonists.
What did the French National Convention decree on 16 pluviôse Year II (4 February 1794)?
The abolition of slavery in all colonies and the declaration that all men living in colonies were French citizens with equal rights.
When and why did Toussaint Louverture join the French?
In May 1794, possibly influenced by the Convention’s abolition of slavery or as a strategic move against rival black leaders.
How did Toussaint Louverture’s alliance with the French change the balance of power?
His 4,000 soldiers strengthened the French position, connecting territories and threatening British and Spanish forces.
How did Toussaint Louverture’s early life prepare him for leadership?
As the son of an African military leader, a freed slave, and literate individual, he navigated both black and white societies effectively.
What role did Toussaint play in the 1791 slave uprising and its aftermath?
Though his involvement in launching the uprising is unclear, he became one of its key leaders by 1793.
What distinguished Toussaint Louverture’s leadership style regarding his officers?
He recruited outstanding officers like Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Moïse, and Henry Christophe, and associated them with his decisions, as shown by having over thirty sign a reply to the French in June 1793.
How did Toussaint Louverture ensure his correspondence was effective?
He recruited white secretaries to write his letters in clear and polished French, unlike other black generals who used broken French.
How did Toussaint Louverture improve his soldiers’ skills?
He employed captured white prisoners with military experience to train his troops.
What do Toussaint Louverture’s letters to General Laveaux from 1794 to 1796 reveal about his leadership?
They show his attention to military details, strategic planning, advocacy for troop provisions, and his skill at deducing enemy intentions.
How did Toussaint Louverture stay informed about the larger political context?
He kept himself informed about events in Europe and elsewhere, understanding the broader implications of the struggle in Saint-Domingue
How did Toussaint Louverture manage his subordinates?
He praised and rewarded loyal subordinates, ensured discipline, and reined in those who tried to operate independently.
What was Toussaint Louverture’s vision for the future of Saint-Domingue?
He aimed to create an orderly society integrating blacks, free men of color, and whites, maintaining good relations with all groups.
What characterized Toussaint Louverture’s political skills?
He was skilled at assessing motives, concealing his own intentions, and framing arguments to appeal to different audiences.
How did Toussaint Louverture interact with French authorities?
He maintained respectful relations, often addressing Laveaux as “Papa,” but criticized his lack of initiative and appealed directly to the French government.
How did Toussaint’s religious beliefs differ from French republican ideals?
Unlike the French government’s hostility to the Catholic Church, Toussaint upheld religious principles and counseled Laveaux with Christian references.
What did Toussaint emphasize in his 1796 proclamation to “you Africans, my brothers”?
He reminded them of his leadership against tyranny and their numerical strength, urging loyalty to France.
How did Toussaint Louverture address plantation labor after the revolution?
He enforced regulations for plantation labor, ensuring cultivators worked hard and treated white plantation owners humanely.
When was Toussaint first mentioned in the European press?
In June 1795, a Paris newspaper acknowledged his leadership under the republican banner.
Why did Toussaint support the plantation system?
Like Sonthonax and Polverel, he believed plantations were essential for the colony’s economy and societal order.
How did Toussaint balance loyalty to France with black solidarity?
He promoted loyalty to France while emphasizing the blacks’ numerical advantage and his role as their leader.
How did Toussaint Louverture define freedom for former slaves?
He insisted freedom did not mean unrestricted behavior, promoting discipline, work, and obedience to laws.
How did Toussaint Louverture consolidate power in 1795?
He oversaw the election of deputies to the French legislature, ensuring they praised his leadership and contributions.
How did Toussaint manage rivalries with other commanders?
He criticized rivals like Villatte, emphasized his support for southern commanders, and cultivated French support to outmaneuver them.
Why was the South Province crucial to Saint-Domingue’s economy under Rigaud?
It was less affected by slave uprisings and military operations, allowing trade with American ships to continue.
With whom did Toussaint Louverture negotiate successfully after 1794?
He adeptly negotiated with Spanish, French, and British authorities, maintaining his influence across groups.
