Year 9 - History
Napoleon and the re-establishment of slavery
The Haitian Revolution: what was its role in the abolition of the slave trade?
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Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the causes and conduct of the Haitian Revolution before reflecting on its role in the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain Napoleon's role in the Haitian Revolution and his attempts to re-establish slavery.
Key Notes
- In 1801, Saint-Domingue's governor L'Ouverture issued a new constitution demanding their total independence from France.
- Napoleon Bonaparte, having seized power in France, wanted to re-establish French control over Saint-Domingue.
- French troops betrayed a truce and captured L'Ouverture, reinstating slavery wherever they had control on the island.
- The fight continued and, with the help of Napoleon's Polish troops who switched sides, the rebels drove the French out.
- In 1804, Saint-Domingue was proclaimed a free country and renamed Haiti.
Vocabulary To Learn
- elites: the group of people at the top of the social hierarchy with power and authority
- galvanised: the strengthening of a person's determination
- lieutenants: the people that support the leader or general of an army
- grands blancs: the elites of French origin in the colony of Saint-Domingue, home of the Haitian Revolution
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Sait-Domingue was independent from France under Toussaint L'Ouverture's leadership
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In 1801, Saint-Domingue's governor L'Ouverture issued a new constitution demanding their total independence from France. Napoleon Bonaparte, having seized power in France, wanted to re-establish French control over Saint-Domingue.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'elites'
the group of people at the top of the social hierarchy with power and authority.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Sait-Domingue was independent from France under Toussaint L'Ouverture's leadership. Correction: Toussaint L'Ouverture was technically the French Governor of Saint-Domingue due to his leadership during the slave uprising there during the 1790s. His attempt to establish the colony as a free country though in 1801 was a step too far for Napoleon.
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