Saint-Domingue’s constitution abolishes slavery and names Toussaint governor for life

On 17 June 1799, forces loyal to André Rigaud attacked Petit-Goâve, escalating a conflict that became known as the War of the South or War of Knives. The struggle pitted revolutionary leaders with...

On 29 July 1800, André Rigaud left Saint-Domingue for France after his forces lost the War of the South. The departure ended organized resistance to Toussaint’s military control in the south, but...

Toussaint Louverture arrived at Les Cayes on 1 August 1800, following the defeat and departure of Rigaud. This marked the extension of his authority across the colony’s southern region. The campaign...

On 26 January 1801, Toussaint Louverture’s forces entered Santo Domingo, the Spanish-speaking eastern part of Hispaniola, claiming authority under France’s 1795 cession. The action extended...

A ten-member assembly convened at Port-au-Prince on 22 March 1801 to draft a constitution for Saint-Domingue. The initiative used the French Constitution of Year VIII, which allowed colonies to...

In early February, a large French expedition under Charles Leclerc arrived to reassert French authority. Henri Christophe refused to surrender Cap-Français; revolutionary forces set much of the city...

French forces began a sustained assault on the fortified position at Crête-à-Pierrot, where Dessalines and revolutionary soldiers resisted for weeks. The defenders eventually broke out on 24 March...

After months of fighting and defections, Toussaint Louverture entered Cap-Français and accepted Leclerc’s authority in exchange for amnesty and guarantees, then retired to his estate. This was a...

Leclerc had Toussaint Louverture arrested after inviting him to a meeting, despite the recent settlement and assurances of safety. Toussaint and members of his family were sent to France and...

As French repression intensified and fears of restored slavery spread, General Charles Bélair raised the standard of revolt. This renewed uprising drew on rural networks and the laboring population...