The Haitian Revolution is one of the greatest and most significant moments in the history of the world, one far-too-widely under-celebrated by dominant historical discourses. Stretching from its beginning in 1791 through its climax in 1804, the revolution represented the very first successful slave rebellion in history, culminating eventually in the establishment of Haiti as the very first black republic. This was the light of Black defiance, proving the world the ability of the slaves not only to escape their bondage, but also to establish new nation-states and structures of political authority.
In America should be grateful to Haiti, Roger Persaud uncovers the depth of the Haitian Revolution and its international impact. Overshadowed by the European supremacy myth and the weight given to European conquest, the Haitian Revolution actually played one of the instrumental roles in remodelling the Americas, culminating in the Louisiana Purchase, whereby the United States doubled its territory. One of the greatest things about this book is the manner in which the book subverts the history of colonization, reminding readers the Haitian nation’s freedom was not the sole achievement being attained by the nation’s independence; the impact caused by the slavery institution is also significant. That the European colonies were not invulnerable became clear after the accomplishment of the Haitian revolution, and the message communicated by the revolution went beyond the nation’s limits, reaching all the slaves all over the Americas.
Haiti’s role during the Haitian Revolution also had its influence upon the future of slavery throughout the world. The Haitian victory spurred slave rebellions, including those in the United States and those in Cuba, and contributed the largest portion towards the eventual abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. This revolution did not come cheap for the Haitians, however. Even after their victory, the Haitian economy was destroyed, and the country became pariah by much of the world. France’s imposition upon Haiti the debt for their freedom has led the nation into its current state of economic ruin, from which the country has not ever actually recovered.
Roger Persaud’s America Ought to Be Thankful for Haiti points towards the disregard for the history of Haiti for the purposes of the European history of the globe. Haiti’s revolution deserves to be celebrated not only for its immediate advantages for the Haitians alone but also for its contribution towards upsetting the order of the European colonies. The strength and courage demonstrated by the Haitians continue to inspire movements for justice, liberty, and equality even today.