Haitian Revolution Research Paper

The Haitian Revolution was shaped by the abundant black population. At the time of the revolution there were 500,000 slaves, 30,000 affranchi (free people of color), 15,000 mulatto (mixed race people), and 15,000 blacks had purchased land and bought their freedom. This diverse group of people were the majority of residents in Haiti. Most of the black population was pro-independence because France was not giving them their rights. The French government was indecisive about giving slaves and diverse people the “Rights of Man” and as soon as the rights were given they would be repealed shortly after. There were about 20,000 people in the white population. The planters were the wealthier side of the population and was pro-independence because they felt they were not well represented under French rule. The petit-blancs were the other side of the white community and were anti-independence. They saw the free people of color as economic competition and depended on the security of the French government to keep their status. Their fear of the wealthier black people resulted them being extremely racist and caused more suffering and the black community. Within Haiti’s population it was the petit-blancs and the French government versus everyone else in Haiti. The French government, although strong, did not stand much of a chance against the rebellion. …show more content…
Haiti was wealthy because of its primary crops of sugar and coffee. France was making a generous amount of money off of Haiti because 40% of French and British sugar was imported by Haiti. The country also produced 50% of the world’s coffee. By the late 18th century, Haiti was worth more than the United sates and everything inside of the U.S. Haiti made such an ample profit because it used slaves as workers. There were around 500,000 slaves to help grow and ship the products. The monopoly on sugar and coffee gave Haiti more power to become