As the war in Haiti continues, Toussaint Louverture becomes a powerful general and challenges the invaders. The rift in the rebel leadership and the impact of yellow fever on the British forces are discussed. The implementation of emancipation and the friendship between Louverture and Governor Lavaux are explored. Louverture's ambition and concerns about sustainability are highlighted, along with an upcoming virtual conference on Napoleonic history.
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Quick takeaways
Toussaint Louverture declared independence from his superiors after surviving an ambush by rebel forces.
Toussaint Louverture's forces combined guerrilla warfare tactics with European military doctrines to confront the British and Spanish invaders with bravery and strategic advantage.
Deep dives
The Rebellion and Hope of Freedom
The Great Slave Rebellion in Haiti gave the enslaved majority a taste of freedom and hope for permanent liberation. Commissioner Légé Felicite Sainte-Sainte-Nax abolished slavery in his area of jurisdiction, but it took several months for this proclamation to extend across the colony.
Internal Rifts and Ambush
Rifts developed within the rebel leadership, particularly between pro-Spanish generals and Toussaint Louverture, who saw the Spanish alliance as a means to total liberation. An ambush by rebel forces, orchestrated by Georges Biasu, aimed to kill Toussaint. Though some of Toussaint's staff were killed, he escaped and declared independence from his superiors.
Changing Alliances and Momentum
After successfully escaping the ambush, Toussaint ordered his troops to gun down the local Spanish garrison, cementing his independence from Spanish influence. As France adopted the policy of total emancipation, Toussaint saw an opportunity to ally with the Republicans and bring them into power.
Guerrilla Warfare and European Tactics
Toussaint Louverture's forces, now professionalized, combined guerrilla warfare tactics with European military doctrines taught by French allies. Despite the British and Spanish influx, the Republicans, led by Louverture, demonstrated bravery in direct assaults and used their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage.
As the war in Haiti rages on, Toussaint Louverture makes a fateful decision to leave his allies behind. We follow his development as a general as he forges his guerilla forces into a powerful, modern army, and challenges the invaders head-on.
Registration for the conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/napoleon-and-his-legacy-warfare-politics-and-society-march-18-21-2021-tickets-142425537617