Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

The colony of Saint-Domingue was succeeded by Haiti, the first independent state in Latin America. The declaration of independence on January 1, 1804, called out by Jean-Jacques Dessalines – “Independence or Death” – expressed the fierce determination underlying the defense of national independence and the liberation from slavery against foreign powers, especially France. A few days later this vigorous determination was demonstrated with the murder of all French citizens still residing in the country and the deportation of all foreigners. The new state stood in continuity to the regime of Toussaint Louverture . This continuity was reflected in the elevated position and overarching power of one leading person. In the course of 1804 Jean-Jacques Dessalines turned into Emperor Jacques I. The new constitution of May 20, 1805 provided him with all-encompassing political, military, and judicial rights. The power of the state was completely transferred to one person. The intention never again to submit to any external power was also manifested in the constitution which prohibited foreigners to acquire property in Haiti. This instruction was maintained until the country's occupation by the United States starting in 1915 , which modified the constitution in order to enable the penetration of the Haitian economy by US capital. Dessalines concentrated his efforts at dismantling the military ... log in or subscribe to read full text