Who Was Involved?

• Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian Revolution and former enslaved person.

• Enslaved Africans who joined Louverture in his fight for freedom.

• French colonial forces who sought to maintain control over Haiti.

• Napoleon Bonaparte, whose forces attempted to recapture Haiti.

What Happened?

• Toussaint Louverture was born into slavery in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) but gained freedom and eventually led a rebellion against French colonial rule in the 1790s.

• He organized a powerful army of formerly enslaved people, defeating French, Spanish, and British forces.

• Louverture’s leadership was key in abolishing slavery in Haiti, and he helped establish the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere.

• In 1802, Louverture was captured by the French and sent to France, where he died in captivity in 1803.

Where Did It Happen?

• Saint-Domingue, now known as Haiti.

When Did It Happen?

• 1791–1803, the period of the Haitian Revolution, with Louverture’s capture occurring in 1802.

Why Is It Important?

• Toussaint Louverture is remembered as a hero of the Haitian Revolution, one of the most significant slave rebellions in history.

• His efforts led to Haiti’s independence, the first independent black republic, and the first successful slave revolt in the Americas.

• Louverture’s leadership challenged the institution of slavery and provided a model of resistance and empowerment for enslaved people worldwide.