April 7 - Toussaint Louverture Day

Posted on April 7, 2017

Haiti!

This Caribbean country in unique: it's the only nation in the world established as a result of a revolt by enslaved people!

It's also the only nation in the Western Hemisphere to have defeated THREE European superpowers - Britain, France, and Spain - and it's only the second republic in the "New World" (North and South America).

The successful slave revolt that started the nation of Haiti was led by former slave and first black general of the French Army, Toussaint Louverture. He had a lot of smarts - he was a military genius! And although he died on this date in 1803, before Haiti had beat off the last of the superpowers and achieved full, recognized independence, Louverture had negotiated treaties and restored the plantation system (with paid labor) and improved the nation he wouldn't live to see.

Lest you think Louverture was a saint (like part of his first name), he did act like a dictator, taking on for himself the title of "Governor-General for Life." He was a strong leader, but maybe he enjoyed and used that strength a bit too much!



In addition to its colorful culture and lovely waters...

...Haiti is known for the devastating 2010 earthquake.
Check out the damage to even the National Palace!






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