The First Uprising
On August 21, 1791, the slaves in the northern part rebelled against their masters. Within the next 10 days, the slaves took control of the entire Northern Province. In September 1791, when the French National Assembly revoked political rights given to the mulattoes, people from the south and west joined in as well. Many of the white plantation owners fled the islands, and military officials from France came to suppress the revolt. But their attempts had no effect.
By 1792, everyone on the island was involved in fighting. Many military leaders would rise, including Toussaint L’Ouventure, a well-educated former slave. Eventually the slaves drove the whites off the island, and on August 29, 1793 the slaves were declared free.
By 1792, everyone on the island was involved in fighting. Many military leaders would rise, including Toussaint L’Ouventure, a well-educated former slave. Eventually the slaves drove the whites off the island, and on August 29, 1793 the slaves were declared free.