Haitian Culture Curriculum Guide

Revolution. He became Commander-in-Chief of the whole island. As leader, he began many social
and economic reforms. In addition, he reformed the judicial system. Napoleon became very
concerned with the measure of success Toussaint was achieving, military and politically. He
planned to end the movement toward independence. He sent General Leclerc with a force of 25,000
men to put down the Revolution. At the same time, Napoleon sent Toussaint a friendly letter, which
suggested a diplomatic solution between France and her former colony. Toussaint was tricked by a
French officer who invited him to a meeting. He was arrested and sent to France. He was placed in
a dungeon where he died.
Toussaint was a great Haitian leader. Although he did not live to celebrate Haiti’s first
Independence Day, January 1, 1804, he should be given credit for making that event possible. He
played the greatest role in the only successful slave revolt in the New World.
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