Constitution of 1805
The Constitution of 1805 organized Haiti as an empire under Jean-Jacques Dessalines. It affirmed independence, rejected the return of colonial ownership, and established rules for government, property, religion, citizenship, and national defense.
Declaration of Independence
On January 1, 1804, revolutionary leaders gathered at Gonaïves and proclaimed the former French colony independent. Jean-Jacques Dessalines addressed the assembled officers and people, and the independence text associated with Louis Boisrond-Tonnerre announced a permanent break with France.
Battle of Vertières
By late 1803, the French expedition had been weakened by warfare, disease, supply failures, and the renewed unity of Haitian forces under Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The remaining French army concentrated around Cap-Français.
Battle of Crête-à-Pierrot
During Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1802 expedition to restore metropolitan control over Saint-Domingue, Haitian forces occupied the fortified position of Crête-à-Pierrot in the Artibonite valley. French troops repeatedly assaulted the fort while defenders endured bombardment, shortages, casualties, and encirclement.
The Haitian Revolution Begins
In August 1791, a vast uprising erupted in the northern plain of Saint-Domingue, France’s most profitable slave colony. Enslaved workers attacked plantations, destroyed machinery and buildings, and challenged the violent labor system that sustained the colony.
Bois Caïman
Bois Caïman is remembered as a gathering held in the northern plain of Saint-Domingue shortly before the general uprising of August 1791. Accounts connect the meeting with Dutty Boukman, Cécile Fatiman, religious observance, political coordination, and an oath…