Week 5

Code Noir

This is basically just a long list of laws imposed by the French. Many of these laws seemed harsh and ridiculous. I really did not understand why evicting the Jews from the land was such a priority, and why they were declared enemies of the Christian religion it really did not make any sense to me. I also thought it was interesting that the laws kept consistent with the religion, as they observed Sundays as a rest day. After reading over many of these very specific rules, I wonder in what ways were these laws enforced. In a region where there were so many slaves, it seems like a daunting task to attempt to enforce all of these laws.

Description of French Port of Saint-Domingue

I found it interesting that this description was first published in Philadelphia. It makes sense that people in the U.S. would be interested in how slave labor was being conducted and maintained in another part of the world. I still find it weird that mulattos were to be in slavery up until they were twenty-one. I think the Vaudoux was very intriguing. It seemed that these were in a way puppets to those who hold power. Their opinions and beliefs seemed to be created and shaped based upon what was consistent with what the king and queen and their interests.

Letter to those who love mankind

I thought the message of this letter was to warn the against slave rebellion. As the number of slaves increase in near exponential fashion, the skewed ratio between slaves and their masters can prove to be detrimental. The statistic cited was that in a period of eight years the population people of color more than doubles, while France’s population grew by one-ninth. Obviously if you have such a difference in population size, the likelihood of a successful slave rebellion increases.

Observation on Origin and Progression

This was written by someone who would be considered a Gen de Coleur. I found it interesting that the colonists would rather copulate with women of color as appose to the women who were from their homeland. I was shocked that the white men in this time period were able to make that decision, in the midst of all the racial inequality of the time.

History of Revolution of Saint-Domingue

I can see why this document would have been of particular interest to the U.S., as Dalmas wrote this account after he had left Saint-Domingue, and took up residence in the U.S. I thought the religious ceremony that was described was hard to understand. I don’t quite understand why such an event would take place the night before the planned revolt; I guess it was intended to prepare the rebels. From the description the revolt was very brutal and deadly, I found it interesting that some slaves spared their masters.

Reports of the Insurrection

This is a series of entries, which describes the slave revolt on Saint-Domingue. It discusses the roles of some of the whites among the insurgents as well as the roles played by people of color as well as some tactics that were used. At the beginning of the insurrection the Negroes made attacks that were random and sporadic. It mentioned that their weapons usually consisted of the tolls of their labor. It makes sense why the Spanish supplied the Negroes with uniforms as well as arms, it the revolt was a success then it would be much easier to spread Spanish beliefs, as well as easier to colonize the region.

Abolition of Slavery

In this section, it is clear that the French wanted to free the slaves. I kind of got a sense that the French were in a way apologizing for having these slaves, and trying to make amends. As the French abolish slavery, it seems like this is a drastic time of change in France. It seems like the long push by these people for equality was rewarded, in the sense that they were no longer slaves. In that respect this must have been an extremely meaningful event for these people.

Letters

This is a series of letters written by Thomas Jefferson. For the most part it talks about slavery in America as well as possible problems what may arise from it. Most notably the concern is that as the news of the Saint-Domingue slave revolt has spread across the world, this may inspire the slaves in the U.S. to also attempt to revolt. The letters discuss methods and ways certain states can try to diminish the possibility that such a revolt would occur. Some of these tactics include, exporting slaves back to Africa, as well as encouraging leaving the country. I think that the letters suggests that in the wake of the revolt in Saint Domingue, the Americas were concerned that such an event could occur in the U.S. and they wanted to do all in their power to ensure that such a revolt did it occur.

Constitution of French Colony of Saint Domingue

This document was created as a result of Napoleon Bonaparte’s proclamation of France’s new constitution. I thought most of the laws were for the most part were good. The constitution guarantees individual liberty and security, no one can be arrested except by virtue of a formally expressed order. This is a large step forward from slavery. I did think that article ten was interesting. It states that divorce will not be allowed. It seems like at this time this particular article may have sparked some debate.

Haitian Independence

It is clear that after the revolt the people in this region, as expected, have an intense hatred toward the French. This document clearly states separation from the French and Haiti, also states that there will be “Eternal hatred of France”. I found that to be quite interesting.

Haitian Constitution

This stresses the changes that the people of Haiti wanted most notably the freedom of religion. I did notice that many laws were really strict. For example Article 11 under the Preliminary Declaration states that every citizen must know mechanical trade. I think that that law would be rather difficult to enforce along with many other of these laws.