Summary:
Both the French and Haitian revolutions were spurred for similar reasons by oppressed peoples, with an unfair distribution of power between social classes, restricted liberties and representation, and a large gap between the rich and the poor serving as the main catalysts. However, differences in racial issues, economic stability of the oppressors, and social systems were clearly evident in the respective causes.
Since the beginning of time, man has found reason and ways to subordinate other individuals for his own self benefit. Whether is be for economic, social, religious or political power, the greed imbedded in man through evolution is self evident throughout much of history. Civil wars and revolutions were created by those who were used as stepping stones to tread on for those in power. During the Age of Revolutions, 1750-1914, an increase in technology and discoveries created more motivation and opportunity to enslave and oppress. Many of the revolutions were enacted for the same basic reasons. The French and Haitian revolutions have obvious differences and similarities. Both revolutions were spurred for similar reasons by oppressed peoples. However, differences in racial issues, economic stability of the oppressors, and social systems were clearly evident in the respective causes.
The causes for the French and Haitian revolutions were fairly uniform. An unfair distribution of power between social classes, restricted liberties and representation, and a large gap between the rich and the poor were the main catalysts for both revolutions.
Significant overall economic differences were present between Haiti and France before the revolutions occurred. France was nearly bankrupt by the time the revolution began. Wars with England and the American Revolution had been extremely costly for France. The nation was in debt and the social elite were not paying taxes to aid the dying economy. The large economic strain on France caused heavy taxation of the bottom social class. In contrast, the economy of Haiti was not a factor that fueled the revolution. The Haitian economy was thriving. Free labor from slaves created a surplus of goods.
The social class situations of Haiti and France were main causes of both revolutions. Social mobility was nearly nonexistent in both societies. The Haitian social class system was particularly stratified because it was based on race. The highest positions in the government and military were only held by Peninsulares. Peninsulares were individuals that were born in Europe and had come over to the colony to rule. Directly under the Peninsulares in the social class system were the Creoles. These individuals controlled most of the land and the business. Creoles were defined as individuals whose parents were both Peninsulares in the colonies. The next social class were the Mestizo and the Mulattees, who were half European and half Native American or African. Finally, all pure Africans or Natives were condemned to slavery. Slaves had no property, money, or rights. Most of the individuals in Haiti were slaves. Conversely, the French social system was also very stratified and consisted heavily of the lowest class. The system is broken down between three estates: the clergy, nobility, and the 3rd estate which consisted of a lower, middle and upper class. Most of the third estate consisted of peasants. The clergy encompassed one percent of the population. The one percent controlled twenty percent of the land and did not pay taxes. The 2nd estate encompassed the nobility, two percent of the population. The nobility owned twenty-five percent of the land and did not pay taxes. The remaining ninety-seven percent of France belonged to the third estate. The third estate held less than half the land in France and was forced to support the heavy burden of taxation in the bankrupt nation. The overwhelming gap between the political and economic power of the high and low classes caused resentment in both societies. A miniscule number of people, had privilege, comfort and luxury while the majority of people suffered. Social inequalities would a huge catalyst for both revolutions.
The lowest class of each society realized their strength in numbers and passion for their cause. The 3rd estate broke free from France and created the Declaration of the Rights of Man. This document outlined a set of rights that pertained to every man from any class. From there, the 3rd estate moved forward in taking the country. The Haitian slaves utilized their massive population and excellent leadership to overthrow their oppressors. Francias Toussaint Loverture was the leader of the revolution and a pivotal factor in defeating the Europeans. The slave revolution was not only a clash between social classes, but also a clash between races. Unlike the French revolution, the two sides of the Haitian Revolution were racially different. Racial differences may have added intensity to fighting in the revolution. Most importantly, both rebellions were successful in liberating themselves from unfair treatment and burdens. Nevertheless, the winners chose different ways to live after their victories. Most of the African slaves who achieved freedom from their revolution moved to the countryside to construct homes, and make a comfortable living. On the other hand, the French victors turned their heads to conquest and strived to take over the world under the brilliant general Napoleon Bonarte.
The Haitian and French revolutions were mirror images of the past and present. The corruption of those in power have
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