French Revolution and Saint-Domingue History

In 1792, a second French commission arrived in Santa Mon to address the rights of free people of color. Despite assurances, tensions rose as the commission, known for its abolitionist views, faced resistance from the white population. The commission's efforts to reinstate the Code Noir and offer freedom to enslaved people who joined their cause led to significant military and political maneuvers. As Spain and Britain declared war on France, alliances shifted. In 1794, the French National Convention abolished slavery in all colonies, prompting Toussaint Louverture to switch allegiance to France, marking a turning point in the struggle for emancipation.

What was the primary mission of the French commissioners who arrived in Saint-Domingue in 1792?

• To establish a new government

• To ensure free people of color received full rights

• To abolish slavery immediately

• To negotiate with the British

What was the Code Noir that the commissioners attempted to reinstate?

• A set of regulations for the treatment of enslaved people

• A trade agreement with Spain

• A new military strategy

• A peace treaty with the British

What significant action did the commissioners take to gain support from the enslaved population?

• Guaranteed education for children

• Offered freedom and French citizenship

• Promised land ownership

• Provided financial compensation

Why were some rebel leaders skeptical of the commissioners' promise of emancipation?

• They had no authority to make such promises

• They had previously betrayed the rebels

• They were allied with the British

• They were known to support slavery

What was Toussaint Louverture's initial alliance during the conflict?

• With the Americans

• With the Spanish

• With the British

• With the French

What prompted Toussaint Louverture to switch his allegiance to France?

• A personal conflict with Spanish leaders

• A promise of land

• The abolition of slavery in all French colonies

• A military defeat by the Spanish

What was the outcome of the National Convention's decision in 1794 regarding slavery?

• Slavery was abolished only in Saint-Domingue

• Slavery was abolished in all French colonies

• Slavery was left to the discretion of local governors

• Slavery was reinforced in French territories

What was the impact of yellow fever on the British forces in Saint-Domingue?

• It had no significant impact

• It caused a large number of casualties

• It led to a truce with the French

• It strengthened their resolve

What was the War of Knives?

• A diplomatic negotiation

• A battle between the French and British

• An internal conflict among rebel generals

• A conflict between European powers

By 1795, which European power ceded its part of the island to France?

• The Portuguese

• The Spanish

• The Dutch

• The British