The French Revolution abolished old hierarchies which, led to debates about freedom and equality. During this time the free blacks, the plantation owners, and free white people fought each other to claim land and privileges in the colony of Domingue. For this land in the western portion of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola was source of many goods traded that contributed massive wealth for France. Under the confusion going on rose Toussiant L’Ouveture, who led the slaves of the island. Britain and Spain knew of the situation of Saint Domingue and tried to gain control. However, France wanted to try and keep the riches of the island so, they liberated the slaves. Toussaint joined the French Republic and successfully drove Spain and Britain forces out. As well as abolishing slavery on the island in 1801. Toussaint declaring himself governor for life made Napoleon uneasy and so Toussaint was captured. Forced into exile, Toussaint died and his second-in-command took over his place.

The man who took charge in Toussaint’s stead was Jean-Jacques Dessalines. This man was known for his ruthlessness for he defeated the French troops on the island in 1803 and proclaimed the island as Haiti. The text I will be discussing is Dessalines’ proclamation, “Liberty or Death”. Dessalines’ proclamation was published shortly after he had crowned himself emperor and within the text, revealed his extremist ways. The message that I was receiving from “Liberty or Death” was that of a threat. To me he just states that to all who oppose him, will be vanquished and to those who join him, will receive mercy.

The points that I found to be strong were his descriptions used to portray the French and other “enemies” as evil. He also put a sense of religious duty into the text which, especially back then, is very effective in gaining followers. The point I found to be weak was his promise to the people who are “innocent”. He makes it seem that the people who are “innocent” are the people already following him and the people who want to remain neutral, he wants them to get involved.  Overall, I feel he was successful in conveying his message of the freedom of Haiti. He dug into the past, brought up religion, made promises and even proclaimed his motto to be “War to death to tyrants! . . . Liberty! Independence!”

Looking back I feel a lot of progress has been made but there is still a lot to improve. There are countries, who countries like the U.S. thinks need to be “saved”. There is still racism and slave trading. There are still many radical groups who kill for “peace”. However, the world definitely has seen change in how we perceive natural rights. People are more “equal” than in the past, if that makes any sense. Laws and society, even the media try to show that we are all accepted for who we are.