Final answer:
The ruling class's preoccupation with the French Revolution allowed for the successful slave revolt led by Toussaint Louverture, which resulted in Haiti gaining independence in 1804.
Step-by-step explanation:
Because the ruling class of Saint-Domingue was busy worrying about the French Revolution, Haiti gained independence. The slaves, led by Toussaint Louverture, seized the moment to revolt and successfully overthrew the government, leading to the declaration of independence in 1804. This made Haiti the first colony in Latin America to achieve freedom and set a precedent for other colonies seeking autonomy from European rule.