Jean-Jacques Dessalines’ proclamation “Liberty or Death”, was written as a statement addressing the actions that he took during the Haitian revolution and the actions that he would take in the aftermath to retain sovereignty. Dessalines describes the crimes the French committed against the slaves of Saint Domingue and goes further to condemn their actions as an act of violence against mankind. He asserts, “the implacable enemies of the rights of man have suffered the punishment due to their crimes.” (37), arguing that the French violated the basic human rights by enslaving the Haitian people to appropriate the resources of the island. Owing to this, Dessalines justifies his ruthlessness as retribution for the suffering of the Haitian people under French rule. He reasons, “of what consequence to me is the opinion which contemporary and future generations will pronounce upon my conduct? I have performed my duty.” (37)  Dessalines has no doubts about whether his actions were drastic but he views them as appropriate for the treatment of his people. Dessalines calls for Haitians to recognize the need for extreme measures to protect themselves from exploitation and injustices. He states that his intentions were to stop any future attempts to colonize or control Haiti to protect the freedom of his people. Dessalines also warns future generations that leniency can lead to similar oppression to what they were previously subjected to.