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1. August 29, 1793

Brothers and friends.

I am Toussaint L’Ouverture, my name is perhaps known to you. I have undertaken vengeance. I want Liberty and Equality to reign in San Domingo. I work to bring them into existence. Unite yourselves to us, brothers, and fight with us for the same cause, etc. . . .



Which statement describes the author’s purpose for writing this letter?

To propose peace terms to the French

To inspire a rebellion

To document his thoughts for personal reflection

To gather support for the French

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

Toussaint L'Ouverture wrote this letter to inspire a rebellion against the French.

Step-by-step explanation:

Toussaint L'Ouverture was the leader of the Haitian Revolution, which led to the abolition of slavery and the independence of the French colony of Saint-Domingue as the republic of Haiti.

In 1793, L'Ouverture allied with Spain, which had the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola (today's Dominican Republic). Spain was then at war with France, in part of the French Revolutionary War. Later that year, Britain also invaded Saint-Domingue and occupied the coasts.

On February 4, 1794, the Jacobin-dominated National Convention ratified an offer of release for all slaves loyal to the revolution. This led to L'Ouverture taking his forces to the French Revolutionary Army, where he became Brigadier General. He defeated Britain and Spain in several battles, and in practice became Saint-Domingue's leader. However, he declared himself loyal to the French First Republic. In 1801, having also conquered the Spanish part of Hispaniola, he promulgated a constitution for an autonomous Haiti.

When Napoleon Bonaparte became the leader of France, he began to strive to re-enact slavery in Saint-Domingue. In May 1802, L'Ouverture surrendered to Napoleon's forces on the condition that he could retain his freedom and that his troops should be incorporated into the French army. However, the French general Leclerc broke his promise and captured L'Ouverture a month later. L'Ouverture was taken to France, where he in fact died of cold, starvation and ill-treatment in 1803.

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