Toussaint Louverture led a successful slave revolt and emancipated the slaves in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (Haiti). A formidable military leader, he turned the colony into a country governed by former black slaves as a nominal French protectorate and made himself ruler of the entire island of Hispaniola.

What was Toussaint Louverture known for?

Toussaint Louverture led a successful slave revolt and emancipated the slaves in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (Haiti). A formidable military leader, he turned the colony into a country governed by former black slaves as a nominal French protectorate and made himself ruler of the entire island of Hispaniola.

Why was Toussaint Louverture called the Black Napoleon?

But at the end of the 18th century a self-educated slave with no military training drove Napoleon out of Haiti and led his country to independence. The remarkable leader of this slave revolt was Toussaint Breda (later called Toussaint L’Ouverture, and sometimes the “black Napoleon”).

Why did Toussaint Louverture lead the revolution?

Louverture was born enslaved on the French colony of Saint-Domingue, now known as Haiti. He later reclaimed his freedom, becoming a free man and a Jacobin, which thus began his military career as a prominent leader of the 1791 War for Freedom in Saint-Domingue….

How did Toussaint Louverture learn to read?

His godfather, the priest Simon Baptiste, for example, taught him to read and write. Impressed by L’Ouverture, Bayon de Libertad, the manager of the Breda plantation on which L’Ouverture was born, allowed him unlimited access to his personal library.

How did Toussaint free the slaves?

Standing steadfastly, he fought to end slavery and gain Haiti’s independence from European powers, France and Spain. Forming an army of former slaves and deserters from the French and Spanish armies, he trained his followers in guerrilla warfare and successfully ended slavery in Hispaniola by 1795.

How many slaves did Toussaint free?

During his time in slavery, Toussaint had learned African and Creole herbal-medical techniques. He now served as a doctor to the troops as well as a soldier. Toussaint quickly developed a reputation and was given command of 600 black former slaves.

How did France treat Toussaint when he surrendered?

How did the French treat Toussaint when he surrendered? The French arrested him.

Was Toussaint a good leader?

Toussaint Louverture’s Achievements. Although he was born into slavery, Toussaint Louverture became a great military commander and a leader of the struggle for Haitian independence. He rose to prominence in part by taking advantage of wars between the powerful countries that occupied his homeland.

How was Toussaint Louverture captured?

In 1802, Napoleon dispatched his brother-in-law, Charles Leclerc, to capture L’Ouverture and return the island to slavery under French control. Captured and imprisoned at Fort de Joux in France, L’Ouverture died of pneumonia on April 7, 1803.

Who colonized Haiti first?

The island was initially claimed by Spain, which later ceded the western third of the island to France. Prior to gaining its independence in 1804, Haiti was the French colony of Saint-Domingue.