HIS 100 Module Three Activity Template: Historical Context Identify the topic you chose to explore:
Haitian Independence
Describe the historical context surrounding your historical event.
The Haitian Revolution was a long battle that took place between 1791 and 1804. Their goal was
to overthrow the French to free the slaves and let them live a free life. After overthrowing the French, Haiti, formerly known as St. Domingue, would be an independent country that would be
governed by former slaves. Describe a key historical figure or group’s participation in your historical event.
A key historical figure would be Toussaint L’Ouverture. Toussaint was born in St. Domingue and was born in a French-speaking colony.
Explain the key historical figure or group’s motivation to participate in your historical event.
Toussaint had certain freedom in St. Domingue and was taught how to draw and read. After learning how to read, he filled himself with knowledge about the French and American revolutions that inspired him later. Toussaint was the chief physician due to his knowledge of medicine, but his knowledge of politics and the colonial system allowed him to rise to the rank of Brigadier-General. He then trained the soldiers who would go up against the French. Toussaint worked with the Spanish to defeat the French army and become the outright leader of
the revolution.
Articulate how the historical context caused or influenced your chosen historical event.
The Haitian Revolution felt inspiring to read about. All countries should have the right to freedom if they choose and Haiti did that exactly. They felt they had enough and decided to stand up for themselves. It is also inspiring that the slaves were the ones to say enough is enough. Explain how connecting your historical event and current event improves the understanding of your topic.
The historical event and current events improve my understanding of my topic by being able to connect the dots. I chose the Black Lives Matter movement because after all this time, even though slavery is illegal, there are still some minds who have the slave mentality. Seeing Haiti become a poor country after its independence makes me upset because even though they are free, they have enslaved themselves, much like the Black Lives Matter movement has done.
