Adolf Hitler could be classified as the worst leader in the world. He discriminated against Jewish people, he killed many innocent people and ordered his army to fight in World War II. These bad leadership skills ultimately led to Hitler's downfall. Toussaint L'Ouverture did not use the same leadership skills that Hitler did so L'Ouverture was a better leader. L'Ouverture did lead his troops to war, however, it was not for selfish reasons. He took many risks to abolish slavery in Saint Domingue. As the ruler of Saint Domingue, he instituted many rules to make his country a safe and economically stable place. With all the things L'Ouverture did for Saint Domingue, he should be remembered as, most importantly, a liberator of slaves. His achievements as a military commander, and as a ruler of Saint Domingue should be remembered also.
Toussaint L'Ouverture's main goal was to free the slaves of Saint Domingue. The "Timeline of Abolition in Saint Domingue" (document a) shows L'Ouverture's efforts to end slavery and why. In 1789, the French Revolution, specifically the Declaration of Rights of Man, triggered the slave revolution in Saint Domingue. In 1790, the free men of color in Saint Domingue proclaimed the,selves as citizens of France. The slaves heard this and they wanted to be given rights too. The slave revolt lasts 3 years until 1794 when slavery is abolished by Robespierre if the slave revolt ends and L'Ouverture fights with the French. In 1797, L'Ouverture wrote a letter to the French Directory. He wrote it to persuade the French Directory not to reinstate slavery. He tries to tell them that the slaves will revolt if slavery is brought back because the slaves already know what it is like to be free and they don’t want to lose that. In the letter he says “ Could men who have once enjoyed the benefits of liberty look on calmly while it is taken from them!” (Document B). L’Ouverture was willing to address a major political power to keep Saint Domingue slave free. In 1801 L’Ouverture created the Saint Domingue Constitution. He stated that there would be no slavery and all men are free. The constitution states “There cannot exist slaves in this territory, servitude is therein forever abolished. All men are born, live and die free and French.” (document c). All of L’Ouverture’s goals as an abolitionist are present in his work as a ruler. Toussaint L’Ouverture should most importantly be remembered as a liberator of slaves because he was willing to do anything to abolish slavery, including, working with the enemy, threatening major political powers and ruling Saint Domingue.
Toussaint L’Overture can also be remembered as a military commander. All of his military achievements had the same common goal, abolishing slavery and maintaining a safe and well organized nation. In 1801, L’Ouverture’s nephew, Hyacinthe Moyse, organized a rebellion against L’Ouverture. Moyse liked the idea of small holdings rather than large plantations, unlike his uncle. Moyse and his men rebel, saying “General Moyse is with us- death to all whites”( Toussaint L’Ouverture; A Biography[ document e]). L’Ouverture had no choice. He had to gather the rebels and execute them before they killed more innocent people. Toussaint also had to kill his nephew. This shows that L’Overture can put aside his feelings and relationships to get his job done. In the secondary source called A Description of Toussaint L’Ouverture , L’Ouverture was described as generous, courageous and humane. These qualities helped L’Ouverture gain his soldiers respect and confidence. As a military leader, he did many good things. William Wells Brown, the author of the source, says “Toussaint levied fresh forces, raised the reputation of the army, and drove the English and Spanish from the island....” (document f). Toussaint should be remembered for his smart military tactics, his protective nature and his inspirational military ideas.
Lastly, Toussaint L’Ouverture should be remembered as a ruler of Saint Domingue. In the Constitution of Saint Domingue, L’Ouverture made new laws and rules based on the economy of Saint Domingue. He encourage agricultural work where each cultivator was entitled to profits. When he signed the constitution, he made himself the ruler of Saint Domingue for the rest of his life. In 1801, four months after the constitution, L’Ouverture made a proclamation to establish rules and to control people who aren’t doing their jobs. He instituted punishments too, including “ punishing by the conformity with the law, getting arrested, and spending one week in jail.” ( Document d) Again, he acts as a ruler by enforcing laws and punishments.
Toussaint L’Ouverture should be remembered as a hero for Haitian people. Most importantly he should be remembered as a liberator of slaves, someone who would do anything to achieve his goal.
Secondly, he should be remembered as a military commander, someone who puts their feelings aside
to do what is best for their country. Lastly, he should be remembered as a ruler of Saint Domingue,
someone who enforces rules to better their country. Without L’Ouverture’s help Haiti would be a
very different place today.
