Toussaint Louverture

c. 1743 – 7 April 1803

Toussaint Louverture (c. 1743-1803) was the foremost leader of the Haitian Revolution, the largest and most successful slave revolt in history. Born into slavery in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, he rose to command revolutionary armies, became governor-general of the colony, and laid the groundwork for Haitian independence. Arrested by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, he died in a French prison in 1803, a year before Haiti declared independence.

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Life events

Born into slavery on the Bréda plantation in Saint-Domingue
c. 1743

He was born enslaved near Cap-Français in the French colony of Saint-Domingue; his traditional birth date of 20 May 1743 is uncertain.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Gained his freedom from slavery
c. 1776

Documentary evidence indicates he was legally freed around 1776 and subsequently rented land and owned property.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Personal ✓
Joined the slave insurrection in northern Saint-Domingue
1791

After the great slave uprising began in August 1791, he joined the rebellion and quickly rose as a military organizer and leader.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Allied with the French Republic after the abolition of slavery
May 1794

Following France's abolition of slavery in its colonies, he switched allegiance from Spain to the French Republic and fought against Spanish and British forces.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Appointed commander-in-chief of the French army in Saint-Domingue
1797

He was named the colony's top military commander, consolidating his position as the dominant figure in Saint-Domingue.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Conquered Spanish Santo Domingo and abolished slavery there
January 1801

He took control of the eastern, Spanish side of Hispaniola, bringing the entire island under his authority.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Promulgated the Constitution of 1801, naming himself governor-general for life
7 July 1801

His constitution for Saint-Domingue abolished slavery permanently and concentrated power in his hands, defying Napoleon's government.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Arrested by French forces and deported to France
7 June 1802

After Napoleon sent an expedition under General Leclerc to reassert French control, he was seized by trickery and shipped to France.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Other ✓
Died imprisoned at Fort de Joux in the French Jura mountains
7 April 1803

He died of illness after months of harsh confinement, a year before his former lieutenants declared Haitian independence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓