Early Life
Dessalines' status until his 30s
What is a slave?
Independence movement that Dessalines participated in
What is The Haitian Revolution?
Dessalines' supported this class of people.
Who are the Slaves?
Dessalines' role in the Haitian government when he assassinated.
What is an Emperor?
Army he defeated in the Battle of Vertières
What is the French Colonial Army?
Dessalines' Marital Status
Who is Marie-Claire?
Important event Dessalines declared on January 1st, 1804.
What is independence from France?
Dessalines' fear after independence.
What is another French invasion?
Event that resulted in Dessalines' being in power
What is the capture of Toussaint L'Ouverture?
The side of the independence movement that Dessalines supported.
What is the Haitian Side?
Dessalines' ranking in his late 20s
What is a commandeur (foreman)?
The way Dessalines helped in establishing a stable, new nation.
What is declaration Haitian independence and named himself emperor over the people? Elaboration: On January 1, 1804, he declared Haiti's independence, which marked the break from French colonial rule. This declaration was a foundational moment for the new nation’s identity. This establishment made Haiti the first independent Black republic. After independence, Dessalines became the first ruler of Haiti. He started as a governor-general and later named himself Emperor Jacques I. He wanted to create a centralized authority to stabilize the new nation. He later enacted the 1805 Constitution, which abolished slavery and made Haiti a sovereign nation. This constitution laid the groundwork for governance within the nation. Dessalines also created policies to redistribute land from former plantation owners to the formerly enslaved, and this was done to create a more profitable society and promote self-sufficiency.
Perspective on military presence for a nation
What is a strong, solidified military presence?
Dessalines' role in acquiring all of Hispaniola.
What is the invasion of Santo Domingo?
Type of policies put in place following independence.
What are redistribution of land and wealth policies?
Dessalines' family origin
What is West Africa?
Result of Dessalines' strong belief in justice
What is the abolishment of slavery in Haiti?
The way Dessalines helped in starting the independence movement.
What is ivolvement in the beginning stages leading to the Haitian Revolution? Elaboration: His experience as an enslaved person drove his desire for freedom and resistance against colonial oppression. He became one of the most important military leaders as he was involved in the successful uprisings and helped the enslaved and free persons of color fight against French colonial rule. His determination inspired others to join his cause, and he served under Toussaint Louverture, the leading figure in the revolution. He did much to bring people and groups together and set power among the revolutionary leaders, which helped unify the movement against the French.
Army in which Dessalines led to victory over the French.
What is the Haitian Revolutionary Army?
Dessalines' first plantation name
What is Cormier?
Battle that solidified Dessalines power in Saint Domingu
What is the Battle of Vertieres?
Dessalines' governmental beliefs
What is an authoritarian government?
Dessalines' first role in L'Ouverture's army
What is a general?
The way Dessalines helped in fighting and winning the independence movement.
What is military strategy and leadership? Elaboration: He led important battles, such as the Battle of Vertières (1803), which was a key battle against the French army. He also used guerrilla warfare tactics, making it so that his army could adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of his and French forces. This was very successful, as it worked well in the Haitian terrain. Dessalines also assembled diverse groups within Haiti, including former enslaved people and free people of color, uniting them under the common goal of independence. His ability to inspire and lead troops was very important in keeping morale and focus during the conflict.