Toussaint L'Ouverture and the fight for independence
I can describe the role of L'Ouverture in the Haitian Revolution.
Toussaint L'Ouverture and the fight for independence
I can describe the role of L'Ouverture in the Haitian Revolution.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1791, a slave revolt erupted in the French colony of Saint-Domingue and Toussaint L'Ouverture became its leader.
- L'Ouverture aimed to emancipate all people on the island, including in the island's Spanish-controlled territory.
- L'Ouverture organised the rebels into a formidable army. Britain, worried Caribbean slave revolts would spread, invaded.
- Britain tried to restore slavery there so France promised L'Ouverture's soldiers freedom if they helped defeat Britain.
- Britain's defeat saw France allow L'Ouverture to rule as governor of Saint-Domingue.
Keywords
Economic - a term to describe activities that involve trying to make money
Guerilla - refers to a style of fighting that is not out in the open, but instead is conducted as secretly as possible
Governor - the title given to the ruler of a country, that usually still has to answer to someone above them, such as a king or emperor, or a government in another country
Elites - the people at the top of society with access to money and power
Autonomous - refers to the idea that a person, organisation or nation can act independently from anyone else’s control
Common misconception
Toussaint L'Ouverture was fighting against the French during the entirety of the Haitian Revolution.
He first fought Saint-Domingue's ruling French elites and slave-owners. He then fought Spanish troops after invading Spain's territory on the island. He then defeated a British invasion and became Haiti's official governor until France betrayed him.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the fight for independence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the fight for independence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Haitian Revolution: what was its role in the abolition of the slave trade? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
originally enslaved, then a free man who became leader of the revolt
the group of white French elites who owned slaves and ruled the colony
the two groups, aside from the grands blancs, who were free in Haiti
the 500 000 people forced to work in the colony in dire conditions