In today's class we talked about the revolution of Haiti. Haiti's social classes were made up of black slaves, mulattos (mixed heritage), freed blacks, poor whites, and rich landowning whites. because Haiti was a colony of France, Hati could trade with no country other than France. In 1789, France has their revolution. Whites, especialy rich landowning ones, suport the revolution because changes in france could alow for the rich haitians to trade with other nations. However the new French constitution did not pertain to the colonies. The lower classes, made up of blacks mostly, wanted to abolish slavery. In 1793 an educated freed slave named Toussaint L'Ouverture led the black population to abolish slavery. By 1799, while the French where busy with their own political turmoil, Toussaint L'Ouverture had taken power as the millitary dictator. By 1800, Napoleon has taken power in France. He is worried that Haiti wants independance. Despite fighting major wars in Europe with Great Britain, Prussia and Russia, Napoleon decides to send troops into Haiti to put down any potential revolution. Keep in mind all Haiti wanted was to abolish slavery. Toussaint L'Ouverture is arrested and sent as a prisoner to France (where he died), and the Haitians go bananas. The Haitians fight the French soldiers. They fight rough, and with the help of Frances enemy Great Britain, Haiti is able to gain independance and issue a constitution around 1803 or 1804. Their constitution holds true to enlightnment ideas remarkably well. The govornment of Haiti was a democracy for about 20 years, before sliping into the state of turmoil that still exists today in Haiti.
the next up will be Elener, send my regards to the twins.
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Remember, sugar is the main crop in Haiti. Also, remember Haiti assignment is due on Friday, Bolivar reading due Friday, and Monroe Doctrine Tuesday! Guidance tomorrow and no school Monday! And Nick, I will tell the twins you send them your best :=)
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