Revolution in Saint-Domingue

Unfortunately, no one gets to choose from whom they descent in life, so neither do you. The game will randomly decide this for you. (link-goto: "Continue", (either: "OD", "OP"))

(set: $status to "Unfree") (set: $rights to "No") <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Haitian_Revolution.jpg" style="float:right;"> <h3>Revolution in Saint-Domingue</h3> When discussing the revolutionary era, we tend to focus on events in the Western world. We are all aware of the American War of Independence and the French Revolution, both of which greatly influenced the course of history. However, what many do not know, is that around the same time another revolution took place that also had important consequences for the course of world history. <em>Revolution in Saint-Domingue</em> tries to tell the story of the <strong>Haitian Revolution</strong>, especially from the perspective of those that were in some way subordinated by slavery and/or colonial rule in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, which in 1804 became the independent state of Haiti. The storylines are based on the stories of some of the leading figures of the revolution, such as <strong>Jean-Jacques Dessalines</strong> and <strong>Alexandre Pétion</strong>. [[Intro<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Years go by and as you become older, you work more and more hours under brutal conditions. Many of the slaves do not make it very long. The plantation owner has to frequently buy new slaves to replace those that have died. The plantation owner does not seem to care about the well-being of any of them. [[OD3<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Some of the slaves that are born in captivity are given some education so that they can perform more prestigious jobs for the plantation owner, such as becoming a coachman. Are you willing to do so? [[OD4A<-Follow some education]] [[OD4B<-What's the point?]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You try to get a better position on the plantation by following some education. [[OD5<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to let the chance of somewhat improving your life slide by. Under the brutal conditions under which you have to continue working, one day you collapse. THE END

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> The years go by and because you received some education, you are able to become a coachman. The other slaves on the plantation are less fortunate. Although you spend your life in captivity, you do not live in total isolation, and once in a while you have a brief encounter with someone from outside the plantation. When a ship arrives in the dockyard after days of wading through the seas, the sailors on board gladly leave the ship and go for a walk on the island. It provides you and the other slaves with the opportunity to hear the latest news from abroad. One day, one of the sailors tells you about some of the latest events in France. It seems that there is a lot of unrest over there, and many are already calling for an end to the <em>Ancien Régime</em> and creating a new, more equal society. [[OD6<-Interesting]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> More years pass by. It is late 1789 when you hear new rumours about what is happening in France. It seems that the people have actually decided to take matters into their own hands and have started to revolt. As these events are unfolding, the ideals of liberty and equality are also starting to inspiring many on Saint-Domingue. At first, the free people of colour, despising the increasingly discriminatory legislation against them, revolt against the white elite. Within a year, an increasing amount of slaves are starting to converse the idea of joining the revolt and demanding that the rights of men should also be considered for them. [[OD7A<-Join the revolt!]] [[OD7B<-Nah, it probably won't succeed]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Although the revolt has stricken fear into the hearts of the white elite of Saint-Domingue, nothing has really changed for you as slavery is still in existence. You thus decide to continue participating in the rebellion. To the east of Saint-Domingue, in the Spanish colony of <em>Santo Domingo</em>, the Spanish are actively recruiting slaves from Saint-Domingue into their army. When you hear about this, you decide to join their ranks to gain some military experience. [[OD9<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You guess that this is the end of the rebellion, as the coloured elite will now join the authorities in their effort to quell the slave revolt. You decide to leave the revolters and return to the plantation. THE END

<h4>Introduction</h4> Around the 17th century, French pirates began settling on the Western shores of the island <strong>Hispaniola</strong>, which at the time was a Spanish colony. In 1697, Spain ceded the Western part of the island to France, who named their new colony <strong>Saint-Domingue</strong>. The colony was characterised by a plantation economy. At first, mainly sugar plantations were built, however in the mid-18th century Saint-Domingue also became the world’s prominent producer of coffee. The expanding ventures of plantation owners required a lot of labour, for which many African slaves were brought in via the transatlantic slave route. By 1787, there were about half a million slaves in the colony. Society of Saint-Domingue at the time was hierarchically classified in four castes. On the top, there were the <strong>grand blancs</strong>, the rich white elite that owned the plantations. Secondly, the <strong>petit blancs</strong> were white inhabitants that worked in regular trades and owned less fortune. The third caste in the colony were the <strong>gens de couleur libres</strong>, the ‘free people of colour’, who were either born free or be freed at some point in their life. Finally, the <strong>noirs</strong>, the African slaves, which consisted of the overall majority of the population. [[ORIGIN<-Continue]]

Before you start your journey, let's first decide something about your origin. You are: [[Start-Origin<-The child of a wealthy plantation owner]]. You will enjoy many privileges that other children do not have. You can look forward to a life of wealth and great possibilities. [[Start-Origin<-The child of slaves working on the plantation]]. You will be born a slave and will be forced to spend your time providing hard work for the plantation owner until the day he sets you free, if that day is ever to come... [[Start-Origin<-The child of freedmen]]. Although you are free from the abhorrent life of a slave, you will still face discrimination which will limit your opportunities.

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You are born as the child of African slaves working on a sugar plantation near the commune of <em>Grande-Rivière-du-Nord</em>. As the child of a slave born in captivity, subsequently you are raised to become a slave and when you are of age, you are forced to work on the plantation. It seems you will spend the rest of your life in captivity, forced to work for many hours per day without any regard for your well-being. [[OD2<-Continue]]

(set: $status to "Free") (set: $rights to "Limited") <div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Instead, you are born in the city of <em>Port-au-Prince</em> as the child of a wealthy French father. Your mother descents from an European and an African parent, so in turn you are considered of mixed origin and thus a so-called 'free person of colour'. As the child of a wealthy French father, you are given a proper education which will allow you to settle on a prestigious academy later in life. [[OP2<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Like many other slaves on the plantations, you decide to join the revolt. In the night of August 22 1791, slaves on multiple plantations across Saint-Domingue take matters into their own hands and start to revolt. Although at first it seems that the free people of colour and the slaves are both fighting for a similar goal, there is still division between the two, as the first group only started the revolt to gain full citizenship, not to end slavery for the others. The demands of the slaves are going way further. Thousands of slaves are joining the revolt with the aim of ending slavery and gaining citizenship. Hundreds of plantations are destroyed and many white settlers are killed. <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Incendie_de_la_Plaine_du_Cap._-_Massacre_des_Blancs_par_les_Noirs._FRANCE_MILITAIRE._-_Martinet_del._-_Masson_Sculp_-_33.jpg" style="float:right;"> The National Assembly, both horrified by the insurrection and expecting that other European states might try to take advantage of the situation on Saint-Domingue, decides to extend full citizenship to the free people of colour. No measures are taken to improve the situation of the enslaved population however. [[OD8A<-This is not enough!]] [[OD8B<-I guess this was all we could achieve]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to let the call for revolution pass by. It is unfortunate that you did, as you could have greatly improved your living conditions and finally become a free man. THE END

(set: $status to "Free") <div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> It is 1793. As you have been enlisted in the Spanish army for a while, you hear how things are developing in Saint-Domingue. As a result of the pressure by the revolts and the war with other European nations, the French authorities have decided to ban slavery in all of its colonies, thereby being the first European nation to do so. It seems that the revolt actually resulted in a historical achievement! The decision of the authorities did not come unexpectedly. As hostile forces are threatening Saint-Domingue, it seems that the authorities are trying to win over former slaves to join their ranks again. Now that you are officially free from the burden of slavery, are you willing to return to Saint-Domingue to defend the colony? [[OD10A<-I will return and fight for Saint-Domingue]] [[OD10B<-I will stay with Spain]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Toussaint_L%27Ouverture.jpg" style="float:right;"> You decide to return to Saint-Domingue and fight for the army of Saint-Domingue against the British and Spanish forces. You are not the only one to do so. A man that goes by the name of <strong>Toussaint L’Ouverture</strong> did the same after learning about the abolishment of slavery in the French colonies. Born on a plantation as the son of African slaves, L’Ouverture has emerged as a key military leader in Saint-Domingue. By 1796, he regains control over the colony and emerges as an important leader for Saint-Domingue. [[OD11<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to stay in Santo Domingo. Just as in Saint-Domingue, also here tensions are rising and the Spanish government finally loses his power over the colony in 1821. THE END

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> L’Ouverture is’t the only leader emerging however. Whereas L’Ouverture controls the northern part of Saint-Domingue after pushing out the foreign forces, another general called <strong>André Rigaud</strong> controls the south. Rigaud, who was part of the coloured elite that never lived under the yoke of slavery, resents the growing power of former slaves like L’Ouverture. Inevitable, in 1799 civil war between the two sides breaks out. After bitter fighting, L’Ouverture emerges victoriously. [[OD12<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> In 1801, L'Ouverture introduces a new constitution for Saint-Domingue, in which for the first time all citizens are considered equal. Struggling with racial and social tensions but also struggling to fund his army, L’Ouverture has to undo some of his achievements. To improve the economy, he decides to re-establish the plantation economy. White planters are encouraged to return to their plantations and former slaves, although officially declared free now, are also pressured to return to the plantations. The reign of L’Ouverture does not last very long. In France, a general with the name of <strong>Napoleon Bonaparte</strong> has emerged as the new leader, who seeks to restore the French colonial empire. One of his aims is to retake Saint-Domingue and re-establish slavery in the colony, as the plantations can provide him with an important financial source to fund his military campaigns. Besides that, for him and many other European leaders, the revolution in Saint-Domingue is deemed as something that is threatening the colonial order. In 1802, Napoleon's army captures L’Ouverture, who is transported to France and dies shortly afterwards. <strong>Jean Jacques Dessalines</strong>, a former slave and an important lieutenant under the command of L’Ouverture, has decided to take up arms against the French to prevent the undoing of the achievements by the revolution. [[OD13A<-We will fight once more]] [[OD13B<-I am tired]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to fight once more and defend what has been achieved. This time, the war is to protect your rights which you are willing to safeguard for yourself but also for the future generations. The war is also a war of independence to finally end the era of colonial rule over Saint-Domingue. [[OD14<-For freedom!]]

(set: $status to "Unfree") <div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Unfortunately, you decide to give up the struggle when the stakes are the highest. Without your contribution, Napoleon is able to re-introduce slavery in Saint-Domingue. All achievements have been lost. THE END

(set: $rights to "Full") <div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> After bitter fighting, the French army is defeated by the army of Dessalines. On the 1st of January 1804, the colony of Saint-Domingue is no more and instead the nation of <strong>Haiti</strong> arises, named after the original ethnic group inhabiting the island before the arrival of the Europeans. In the years following the civil war, multiple leaders come forward with their own ideas of how to shape the new nation. As someone who is now free and is allowed to express his political view, what do you think should happen to this new nation? [[END<-Haiti needs a strong man to defend the revolution, Haiti should become a kingdom!]] [[END<-Haiti needs to establish a government according to the ideals of democracy, Haiti should become a republic!]]

<h3>Epilogue</h3> On the 1st of January 1804, the independence of Haiti was officially declared by <strong>Jean Jacques Dessalines</strong>, who had successfully led the nation through the final phase of the revolution and subsequently its war of independence. As a symbol of their new nation, the revolutionaries took the French revolutionary tricolor and removed the white strip from it, after which the blue and red colours remaining were used as the flag for the new country. It did not end all internal conflicts however. After the war, Dessalines crowned himself to be emperor of Haiti. His reign was only short-lived, as he was assassinated in 1806. Shortly after his death, Haiti was divided between a kingdom in the north and a republic in the south. The kingdom of the north was led by <strong>Henri Christophe</strong>, who was a former slave, whereas the republic in the south was governed by <strong>Alexandre Pétion</strong>, who before the revolution was a free person of colour. Just as with the civil war between Rigaud and L'Ouverture, this territorial division was the direct result of differences in ideals between the former slaves and the coloured elite. Although the Haitian Revolution did not immediately lead to an undivided nation, the revolution is still of great importance to history. Haiti became the first nation in history to be born after a successful large-scaled slave revolt. Besides that, as the revolution led to the ending of slavery on Haiti, it might also have strengthened the push for the abolition of slave trade and slavery altogether. The Haitian Revolution should be considered in the light of the other democratic revolutions around this time, such as the French Revolution and the American war of Independence. The revolution had fundamental repercussions for world history, as it helped to spread the idea that liberty, equality and fraternity must apply to all people, not only those in the Western world. By doing so, it even challenged the ideals of Western revolutionaries. It also shocked Western nations that slaves and freedmen were able to rise up and form an independent nation. Even the United States, that just a few decades beforehand has had its own struggle against colonial powers, at first refused to recognize the independence of Haiti, out of fear for slave revolts in their own country. [[Welcome<-Return to the beginning]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> As the son of an European father and a mother of mixed origin, you increasingly find it difficult to think about your own identity. Your education teaches you a lot about European values, however as someone who is considered to be of 'colour', you also feel like you don't fully belong here and you feel like the European settlers look down on you. One way to express yourself is by clothing. There is a clear difference between the clothing normally worn by the white population and the clothes worn by the rest of the population. You choose to dress according to: [[OP3A<-European fashion]] [[OP3B<-Other clothing]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You would like to clothe yourself according to European fashion, as you would like to express your European roots. Unfortunately, legislation in Saint-Domingue forbids you to do so. Since 1766, legislation prohibits people of colour to wear the same clothes that are worn by the white population. Besides that, legislation passed in 1779 prohibits people of colour from wearing clothes that express their wealth. [[OP4<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to dress yourself with the clothing that is deemed more appropriately for the 'people of colour' in Saint-Domingue. To be fair, it's not like you really have a choice. Legislation from 1766 prohibits people of colour from wearing the same clothes that are worn by the white population. Besides that, legislation passed in 1779 prohibits people of colour from wearing clothes that express their wealth. [[OP4<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> As you become older, you learn that clothing is by far the only aspect of life in which you are confined by legislation. As the white population increasingly fear to loose their powerful position in the colony to the free people of colour who are increasingly gaining wealth, more discriminatory legislation is being passed. People of colour are allowed anymore to carry a weapon with them or work in public services. In 1778, interracial marriages are prohibited. It is 1788 when you reach the age of 18 years. Despite that it is becoming more difficult for people of colour to leave the island, your father is able to send you to France to study at the prestigious Military Academy of Paris. [[OP5<-I look forward to it]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> When you arrive in Paris, you are amazed by its incredible architecture. During your stay at the academy, you are able to develop yourself and become wellknown with military tactics. On the other hand, you also experience unrest under the Parisian population and witness the exchange of revolutionary pamphlets and ideas, which are calling for an end to the <em>Ancien Régime</em>. [[OP6<-It seems like something is about to happen]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Within a year after your arrival, the demands for change rapidly unfold into violence. After the failure of the National Assembly to settle things peacefully, on the 14th of July 1789, revolters storm the <em>Bastille</em>. Among other events, in October the king agrees to sign the <strong>Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen</strong>. Although the declaration states that 'men are born and remain free and equal in rights', it does not immediately lead to change in the French colonies. Inspired by the declaration, revolutionaries in Saint-Domingue are calling for change. In 1790, revolts erupt in Saint-Domingue, aiming to extend full citizenship to the free people of color. As someone who has faced discrimination in the past, you feel connected to the struggle. In 1791, slave revolts also arise in Saint-Domingue, calling for the abolition of slavery. [[OP7<-Continue]]

(set: $rights to "Full") <div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Besides internal unrest, France also faces war with other European nations such as Great-Britain and Spain. In the face of hostile invasions threatening its colonies, France grants full citizenship and political rights to all free people of colour in its colonies in an attempt to win over this group to defend the colonial possessions. After years of training on the military academy, you might want to return to Saint-Domingue to fight against the hostile invasions threatening Saint-Domingue? [[OP8A<-Return to Saint-Domingue]] [[Op8B<-Stay in France]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Toussaint_L%27Ouverture.jpg" style="float:right"> You return to Saint-Domingue to fight the Spanish and British forces that have invaded the colony. As you gained a lot of military knowledge at the academy, you display yourself to be a capable officer. Things have changed in Saint-Domingue however. A man that goes by the name of <strong>Toussaint L’Ouverture</strong>, a former slave that fought for the Spanish army but has now switched sides, has become the leading figure in the colonial army of Saint-Domingue. In 1796, he leads the army to victory and repels the foreign armies. [[OP9<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Instead of using your military knowledge to defend Saint-Domingue, you decide to stay in France. You have gained full citizenship and are a free man, so why would you care? THE END

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> L’Ouverture is’t the only leader emerging from the war however. Whereas L’Ouverture controls the northern part of Saint-Domingue, another general called <strong>André Rigaud</strong> controls the south. Rigaud, who originates from the coloured elite that never lived under the yoke of slavery, resents the growing power of former slaves like L’Ouverture. Although the free people of colour and the former slaves have found each other in their struggle against inequality and discrimination, there is still a division between the two groups. Many of the coloured elite are against the prohibition of slavery as it endangers the profitable plantation economy. Logically, the prohibition of slavery is the main reason why many slaves joined the revolt. In 1799, the conflict between the two sides results into civil war. [[OP10A<-Side with Rigaud]] [[OP10B<-Side with L'Ouverture]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> It is obvious that you side with Rigaud, as he mostly represents the interest of your caste. The territory that is controlled by Rigaud is invaded by <strong>Jean Jacques Dessalines</strong>, a lieutenant under the command of L'Ouverture. He succeeds in defeating Rigaud in 1800, which enables L'Ouverture to control Saint-Domingue. [[OP11A<-Return to France]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Although L'Ouverture is not from your caste, you still decide to join him. The army of L'Ouverture invades the territory that is Rigaud under the command of lieutenant <strong>Jean Jacques Dessalines</strong>, who leads the army to victory. [[OP11B<-Continue]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> Back in France, things seem to have changed. After a dramatic and radical phase of the revolution, a more reactionary regime is now in power. A general by the name of <strong>Napoleon Bonaparte</strong> has made a name for himself and has even gained control over the country. His regime is more conservative and seeks to undo some of the achievements of the revolution. In 1802, Napoleon decides to send his brother-in-law, general <strong>Charles Leclerc</strong>, with an army to Saint-Domingue to restore French control over the island and capture L'Ouverture. [[OP12A<-Join the campaign]] [[Op12B<-I'm done, let me stay in France]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> The invasion of 1802 by Leclerc is succesful. L'Ouverture is captured by the French army and sent to France, where he dies shortly afterwards. Leclerc is able to gain control over the colony. As the French have been succesful in regaining control, it becomes clear that they are also willing to undo many of the achievements of the revolution, such as the abolition of slavery. For Napoleon, the profits from the plantation economy of Saint-Domingue can be an important financial source to fund his wars. Besides that, for him and many other European leaders, the revolution in Saint-Domingue is deemed as something that is threatening the colonial order. On Saint-Domingue, as both the former slaves and coloured elite have achieved so much, they are reluctant to return to the situation before 1791. Under the leadership of Dessalines, a new revolt against the French breaks out. [[OP13A<-Join Dessalines]] [[Op13B<-Return to France, this is not my war]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to stay out the conflict. As a free man, what do you have to win by joining the campaign? THE END

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> In 1801, L'Ouverture introduces a new constitution for Saint-Domingue, in which for the first time all citizens are considered equal. L'Ouverture also has to undo some of his achievements. In the face of racial and social tensions in Saint-Domingue and a lack of funding for his army, he attempts to restore the plantation economy by demanding the white settlers to retake ownership over their plantations and forcing former slaves to work on the plantations again. Meanwhile in France, things are changing rapidly. In 1799, a general by the name of <strong>Napoleon Bonaparte</strong> has gained control over France. His regime is more conservative and seeks to undo some of the achievements of the revolution. In 1802, Napoleon decides to send his brother-in-law, general <strong>Charles Leclerc</strong>, with an army to Saint-Domingue to restore French control over the island and capture L'Ouverture. [[OP12A<-We will fight them!]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to join the war against the French. Besides a war with the aim to protect the rights that were already safeguarded before, this time it is very much a war of independency to finally end the era of colonial rule over Saint-Domingue. [[OP14<-For freedom!]]

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> You decide to return to France. Enough blood has been spilled. Without your contribution, France regains control over Saint-Domingue and many of the accomplishments of the revolution have been made undone. THE END

<div class="test">Status = $status Citizenship = $rights</div> After bitter fighting, the French army is defeated by the army of Dessalines. On the 1st of January 1804, the colony of Saint-Domingue is no more and instead the nation of <strong>Haiti</strong> arises, named after the original ethnic group inhabiting the island before the arrival of the Europeans. In the years following the civil war, multiple leaders come forward with their own ideas of how to shape the new nation. As someone who is now free and is allowed to express his political view, what do you think should happen to this new nation? [[END<-Haiti needs a strong man to defend the revolution, Haiti should become a kingdom!]] [[END<-Haiti needs to establish a government according to the ideals of democracy, Haiti should become a republic!]]