Jean Jacques Dessalines  became governor of Haiti in 1803 when he defeated French troops.  Dessalines “Liberty or Death” proclamation explained why he force was such excessive force was necessary in deafening the French.

The proclamation stood as reminder of why he took the actions that he did,in result his words stood as motivation to the Haitian people. Dessalines states, ” yes we have rendered to these true cannibals war to war , crime to crime, outrage for outrage; Yes, I have saved my country” (pg 37). Dessalines has accepted full responsibility for his actions suggestions that he will do whatever is necessary to achieve his goal. Dessalines understood that in order  to win he had to stoop to the levels of his enemies. In the beginning of the proclamation he condones violence.

However, after explaining his action Dessalines  informs his people how they will now move on. Dessalines says, ” blacks and yellows who the refined duplicity of European has for a long time endeavored to divide you who are now consolidated and make but on family” (pg 37). Dessalines reminds Haitians that now the war is over his people must look at each others as comrades rather than enemies.  Unlike the beginning of his proclamation Dessalines is not looking to the ruthless past but the bright future that lays ahead.

-Jessica Lecxy