HISTORY SBA
Why Was There A Revolution In Haiti?
The Haitian Revolution of 1791-1803 was mainly about when the slaves rose up and revolted against the whites and had successfully driven them out of the French Colony of Saint-Dominigue (which is the primitive name of Haiti) declaring the independent Republic of Haiti in the year 1803. It was also propelled by the free Mulattoes (first generation of mixed race) who had long faced the trials of being denoted as semi-citizens.
You may ask the question, “What is a REVOLT??” A Revolt means to break away from or rise against constituted authority, as by open rebellion; or to cast off allegiance or subjection to those in authority. The Haitian Revolt was not unique, as there were many more several rebellions of its kind against the institution of plantation slavery in the Caribbean, but the Haitian Revolution was the most successful.
There were FOUR unique classes in St.Domingue. First, there were the Whites, who were in control. Second, there were the free Mulattoes, who had a very weak position in Haitian society. They enjoyed a level of freedom, but the White’s still recognized them only as being people of colour and not integrity. Third, came the slaves who, in Haiti suffered from some of the most grim and relentless treatment found in the Caribbean. They were legally and lawfully considered to be public property and with little choice and rights they had to be obedient. The master took little consideration to the necessities of life for his slave or as they may know it as his “property.” Fourth, there were “The Maroons,” there was a large group of run-away slaves who retreated deep into the mountains of Saint-Domingue. They lived in small village areas where they did subsistence farming and kept alive African ways, developing African architecture, social relations, religion and customs. They maintained defence systems to resist those who were trying to capture and re-enslave them. Because they were alone, they were not willing to fight the fight for freedom.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
* Social Triggers Of The Haitian Revolution- David Rand (BOOK) * The Haitian Revolution of 1791-1803- Bob Corbett (BOOK) * http://scholar.library.miami.edu (WEBSITE)
END WITH THIS… ‘’ The Haitian Revolution would go on to serve as a model for those affected by slavery throughout the world.’’
Bibliography: * Social Triggers Of The Haitian Revolution- David Rand (BOOK) * The Haitian Revolution of 1791-1803- Bob Corbett (BOOK) * http://scholar.library.miami.edu (WEBSITE) END WITH THIS… ‘’ The Haitian Revolution would go on to serve as a model for those affected by slavery throughout the world.’’
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