Slave's Reaction to the French Revolution
How did colonial authorities and white royalists attempt to manipulate both free people of color and the enslaved?
They avoided wearing nationalistic clothes/symbols so as not to inspire any uprisings, they “kept silent without adopting an air of mystery," issued threats, believed “fear is the sole means of restraining them,” they stayed unified, because if the slaves see “division among the whites,” they will riot
How did Sonthonax’s multiracial election in Le Cap set the stage for the 16 Pluviôse decree abolishing slavery?
There was a “lengthy debate” between 3 of the colonial deputies which led to the creation of the 16 Pluviôse decree.
What will Saint Dominique gain and lose if slaves are freed?
Possibly lose sugar plantations, and gain a citadel occupied by allied troops
How did the French see themselves in battle?
They saw themselves as "fighters in a holy war."
What is the only country, king, or religion that merchants know?
Self-interest
What role did slave women play in the revolution?
Played diverse roles like men did; helped whites flee, exacted revenge, provided food, and raised families while enduring extreme hunger, and fleeing from camp to camp, danced and chanted, and dressed as men so they could bear arms.
Why was the decree’s implementation referred to the Committee of Public Safety?
In an attempt to delay its ratification.
In Bonaparte’s letter to the inhabitants of Saint Dominique, who does he say he is sending, and why?
He sent Captain-General Leclerc to protect against their enemies and the enemies of the Republic.
What did the French instruct the Egyptians to do, that they didn’t follow themselves?
They were told to keep the streets lit and clean them of trash and death. Al-Jabarti describes French cities as being filthy places of sickness, stench, and rot.
What were some of the topics that Manuel Belgrano wrote about?
Establishment of schools, scarcity of pilots, direct interest of the merchants in the project (in favor of establishing a math school), but the school was also not successful
How did the contrast between European military discipline and the insurgents’ adaptive tactics, shaped by terrain and survival needs, influence the course and limits of the revolt?
The mountainous terrain was ideal for insurgents' broken formation combat, often involving ambushes. Insurgents could storm fortified camps or towns or defend themselves against assault from Europeans.
What did the decree of the National Convention do?
Abolished slavery in colonies and made all men citizens with all rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
What religions or religious positions did Bonaparte take?
Catholic to end the war with Vendée, Muslim to establish himself in Egypt, and ultramontane to win over people in Italy
According to Al-Jabarti, what did the French “have great interest in?”
Sciences, mathematics, and languages.
What Enlightenment ideals did Manuel Belgrano pick up in Spain?
The importance of reforming laws, opening up trade, and improving education.
What was the Lenormand meeting passed off as?
A weekend party
What strategic motivations lay behind Jean-François’s permission for his troops to sack Fort Dauphin under Spanish rule?
Toussaint trounced his army in early June, so Jean-Francois allowed his men to vent their anger on the colonists in the town of Fort Dauphin, and appease their concerns about a return to slavery.
Did Bonaparte appear to support or oppose the emancipation of slavery in France?
In his public statements, Bonaparte supported it. However, he wanted to limit it in other places, such as French Colonies, where it was directly beneficial to him.
How were the Egyptians instructed to bury their dead? How is it different from French burial customs?
They were told to bury them in graveyards far away from populated areas or in the vaults of the Mamluks, and required to make the graves deeper than usual. The French would not bury their dead; they would put them all in a heap or throw them out to sea.
What did Manuel Belgrano admire about Beresford?
His valor when undertaking foreign domination.
What did Petro, the black pig ceremony, entail?
Gathering around a black pig surrounded by bizarre offerings, sacrificed to the all-powerful spirit of the black race, killed the pig, drank the blood, and used its hair for a talisman.
How did disease, distrust, and alleged collusion among Spanish officers shape the massacre’s unfolding?
A fever decimated a Spanish garrison, and the Spanish were suspicious of their French colonial allies. Spanish officials colluded with Jean-François to steal the local treasury.
What does Napoleon want to do in the Isle de France?
He wished to confirm slavery, but make it "less harsh."
Why did the French hold a double standard for invaded lands as opposed to their own country?
Economic self-interest, to modernize and unify their colonies, and to control and oppress the people of their captured territories.
How did Manuel Belgrano describe the newly appointed members of the junta, whose job was to deal with agriculture, industry, commerce, and promote welfare?
The only business they knew was monopolistic, and that they had a “liberal” attitude towards the country.