Skip to Main Content
Accessibility Information

HIS 100 - Perspectives in History

Tulsa Massacre, Wounded Knee Occupation, Stonewall Rebellion, Haitian Independence, Philippine Revolution, Iranian Revolution, The Great London Smog, Creation of Earth Day, Chernobyl, Creation of the UN, Act Prohibiting Slavery, Founding of NATO

Haitian Independence

The Encyclopedia Britannica provides a nice outline of the Haitian Revolution (Please note, encyclopedias/tertiary sources should NOT be cited in your assignment. Scroll down for primary and secondary sources):

Haitian Revolution, series of conflicts between 1791 and 1804 between Haitian slaves, colonists, the armies of the British and French colonizers, and a number of other parties. Through the struggle, the Haitian people ultimately won independence from France and thereby became the first country to be founded by former slaves.

Primary Sources

Note: For help with citing primary sources properly, check out this FAQ and be sure to reach out to your instructor with any questions you may have. For help citing interviews in particular, click here. 

This article from Gale has a link to the full text of the Separatist Constitution of Haiti from 1801, written by General Toussaint Louverture. The document laid the groundwork for the Haitian government in the years to follow and is an important legal document related to the Haitian Revolution.

This inspiring speech from Governor General Jean-Jacques Dessalines was given in Haiti for the country's first year of independence from France. In the proclamation, he appeals to the resilience of the Haitian people during the revolution and their success in fighting against slavery and prejudice.  

This letter from French commander at Haiti, Charles Leclerc, written during the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) informs Rochambeau that General Antoine Richepanse has reestablished slavery in Guadeloupe, and there are slight signs of unrest. He predicts that the insurrection is in its final stage and advises using examples of severity to inspire terror. The letter was written on Armee de Saint-Domingue stationery. There is an English "transcript" available at the bottom of the page about this source from the library's Primary Source Collections by Adam Matthew This link opens in a new window database.

Secondary Sources

Jeremy D. Popkin, a History professor at the University of Kentucky Lexington, reflects on the past decade of historical discourse surrounding the Haitian Revolution. Using both primary and secondary sources, this article examines a variety of perspectives to paint a larger picture of the time period in Haitian history. 

This article aims to correct misconceptions about the Haitian Revolution and how Haiti, in general, is perceived by other nations across the world. The author also explains the impact of the Haitian Revolution on the world and details the legacy of Toussaint Louverture.