The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution

To the west and south, Mulatto leaders, including Rigaud, felt threatened by Toussaint’s growing influence. Most were “uneasily pro-British,” hoping to gain independence from France while maintaining class superiority over the slaves. Toussaint and Laveaux came to rely on each other for support against the Mulattoes.

On 20 March 1796, a group of Mulattoes arrested and imprisoned Laveaux at Le Cap, installing their leader, Commandant Villate, as governor in his place. Pierre Michel, a nearby officer who reported to Toussaint, gathered those who opposed the change in leadership with the rallying cry, “Power to the law!” (170). Upon hearing the news, Toussaint dispatched two battalions to Le Cap, where Laveaux was soon restored to his position.

Wanting to avoid further conflict, Laveaux chose not to punish Villate, ignoring Toussaint’s request that he do so. After a complimentary speech, Laveaux appointed Toussaint as his official assistant. His request to France for reinforcements was answered by a commission of five leaders, including Sonthonax, accompanied by lots of weapons and a few men.

In France, the new bourgeoisie came into power following the decline of the radical Jacobins. Maritime merchants and colonists pushed for the restoration of slavery.