The curriculum The Haitian Revolution explores the development of the American colonial world and one of the greatest wealth-producing colonies in world history. Students consider the different groups involved in the conflict, draw connections between events in Europe and the Americas, and reflect on the legacies of the only successful slave revolt in the history of the world.
Videos for Readings: The videos below follow the outline of the printed curriculum unit. The headings correspond to the headings in the student readings.
Videos for Lessons accompany lessons in the teacher's guide of the printed curriculum unit.
Scholars Online: Videos for Readings
The Haitian Revolution
Scholars
Anthony Bogues
Brown University
Patrick Sylvain
Brown University
Alex Dupuy
Wesleyan University
Introduction: A Free Haiti
Part I: The Creation of Saint-Domingue
The Tainos of Hispaniola
European Settlement
Life in Saint-Domingue
How did French colonialism affect Haiti? [Patrick Sylvain – 0:50]
Who were the affranchis? [Alex Dupuy – 1:20]
What was the significance of Vodou to the Haitian Revolution? [Anthony Bogues – 1:56]
Part II: Revolution in Saint-Domingue
The French Revolution
What is the significance of the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions? [Anthony Bogues – 1:48]
How did the French Revolution affect Saint-Domingue? [Anthony Bogues – 1:50]
Revolt in the North
Europe in Saint-Domingue
Civil War
Why was there a war between Louverture and Rigaud in 1799? [Alex Dupuy – 1:44]
“Liberty and Equality to Reign in Saint-Domingue”
What challenges did Louverture face in 1800 and 1801? [Alex Dupuy – 2:08]
Part III: Haitian Independence
The War for Independence
How did the former slaves rebel against the plantation system? [Alex Dupuy – 1:16]
Why did Louverture's generals join with the French in 1802? [Anthony Bogues – 1:45]
Why did the mulattos join forces with the black army? [Alex Dupuy – 1:16]
Why was the Haitian Revolution successful? [Alex Dupuy – 1:53]
Haiti After the Revolution
What was the U.S. response to the Haitian Revolution? [Anthony Bogues – 1:36]
How did the U.S. respond to Haitian independence? [Patrick Sylvain – 1:17]
The Legacies of the Haitian Revolution
How did the Haitian Revolution affect the world? [Anthony Bogues – 2:14]
What were the major legacies of the Haitian Revolution for the world? [Alex Dupuy – 1:36]
How did the Haitian Revolution affect land ownership in Haiti? [Alex Dupuy – 2:07]
What were the major legacies of the Haitian Revolution for Haiti? [Alex Dupuy – 1:29]
How do people in Haiti think about the Revolution today? [Alex Dupuy – 1:37]