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.
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.
