How did the Enlightenment impact this revolution?
The Haitian Revolution was greatly impacted by Enlightenment ideas. Most of the Haitian population was made up of slaves and thoughts of freedom and liberty were being spread. The slaves would hear news of the french revolution from the french, and the new ideas of freedom excited them. These ideas gave them hope that France would give them freedom, but the slaves of Haiti grew tired of waiting for France to abolish slavery. France eventually did, but not completely. Spanish forces questioned their freedom which caused them to take their previous roles as slaves. The newly freed slaves fought under their leader Toussaint, a former slave himself, and knew the pain that these people were experiencing. The slaves needed a leader who had the same enlightenment ideas and motivation that they had. These enlightenment ideas were so strong in the slaves that it forced them to fight for what they believed in. FIghting for their freedom was their only option becuase France continuously tried to take it away from them. The Haitian Revolution wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for these enlightenment ideas. They gave the slaves purpose and motivation even if they were going against all odds. It was because of their determination that the Haitian revolution was able to be the first successful slave revolt in history.