Haitian Revolution

Toussaint L'Ouverture

The Haitian revolution, while a violent revolt against oppression, was largely different from the American revolution. While the American colonists were rebelling against the new controlling government of Britain, many of the Haitian slaves who revolted had been enslaved for nearly their entire life, and wanted payback. What is interesting is that slavery was abolished in Saint Dominigue in 1804, while the Emancipation Proclamation was not passed until 1863. Slavery in Haiti was eradicated much earlier, suggesting that the revolt tactics used were more successful.
Toussaint L'Ouverture is often described as the George Washington of the Haitian Revolution. Though some might consider him a virtuous leader who caused the abolishment of slavery in Haiti, he was a petty and stubborn individual who put his interests above the well being of his people. Toussaint was known to deport or kill anyone who even seemed like a threat to him; an example of this is his deportation of Sonthanax, a French commissioner who essentially had the same goal for Haiti- the abolishment of slavery. Toussaint felt threatened by Sonthanax's growing popularity and forced him out of the country. Despite their common cause, Toussant cared more about his own glory than the interests of his people; this demonstrated his petty flaws.
In addition, Toussaint pushed too hard for complete independence from France. In writing the new constitution, Toussaint declared himself the governor for life, or essentially a military dictator. Napoleon was not prepared to accept that, as he wanted the revenue Haiti would make. Toussaint's desire to control Haiti was the eventual cause of his downfall; Leclerc, a general of Napoleon, sent troops to the island and seized Toussaint and his family. He spent the rest of his life in prison, and soon died of pneumonia. So what do you believe? Was Toussaint L'Ouverture a virtuous leader, or a stubborn and petty one?