Haitian Revolution

When Haiti declared its independence from France, it greatly impacted France. One way France was impacted was it lost St. Dominique which was a very important source of income. Also without controlling St. Dominique Napoleon had no way of protecting his land in North America. This led to the Louisiana Purchase. This was known as the biggest bargain in American History. Napoleon sold enough land to double the size of the United States for only 15 million dollars.  Napoleon was very displeased with the loss not only because St. Dominique was an important part of the economy, but also because he was a racist. He looked at blacks as lesser beings meant for slave work.

America was majorly impacted by the Haitian revolution. Soon after the  revolution Napoleon sent his assistant to ask the Thomas Jefferson if he would join him in strike to take back Saint Dominique. Even though the Haitians were fighting for their independence just like he was year ago, Jefferson was on Napoleons side. He was afraid of the repercussions the revolt might have in America. He didn't want the seed of revolution to be planted in the minds of the slaves in America. So he decided he would suppress the revolutionary idea by joining Napoleon in an attack on Saint Dominique.  “Under threat of a French military invasion that aimed at the re-enslavement of the population, the Haitian government had little choice but to agree to pay. Haiti’s government was also forced to finance the debt through loans from a single French bank, which capitalized on its monopoly by gauging Haiti with exorbitant interest rates and fees.” They had to pay France 150 million Francs or else they would be invaded.

The Haitian revolution impacted the Haitians greatly. After having to pay the money to France they were just about broke. An economy that once flourished was now in pieces and didn't seem to be getting any better. Countries surrounding Haiti were no help because no of them were willing to trade with the Haitians. Countries like the US ignoring Haiti and France's demand of money has left Haiti in a terrible state and has led to Haiti having a crippled economy today.