The War of the Knives and Haiti's Internal Politics

Toussaint Louvertour was able to seize Rigo's capital at Lei Kai in July 1800. The War of the Knives lasted almost exactly a year, mercifully short compared to many other civil wars. Thousands more Haitians had died or been displaced because of the war. Toussaint his supporters had worked hard to build an image of national unity. But it only took a few months for internal divisions to re-emerge.