Haitian Revolution

Definition

The Haitian Revolution was a successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial insurrection by self-liberated slaves against French colonial rule in Saint-Domingue, now known as Haiti, that took place between 1791-1804.

Related terms

Toussaint L'Ouverture: Leader of the Haitian revolution who helped transform an island-wide slave revolt into an organized rebellion with clear goals.

Code Noir: A decree passed by France's King Louis XIV in 1685 defining conditions for slavery in French colonial empire including Saint-Domingue (Haiti).

Creole Class: People born in Haiti but are descendants from European settlers. They often owned plantations and held significant economic power before the revolution.