Causes of the Haitian Revolution 1791-1804

This lesson explores the causes of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), a successful slave revolt against French colonial rule. Students will learn about the harsh conditions for enslaved people, economic inequality, French Revolutionary influence, colonial oppression, and the leadership of Toussaint L’Ouverture. Activities include video analysis, guided reading, categorising evidence, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the revolution’s impact and the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black republic.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Discuss the Haitian Revolution’s significance and its role in ending French colonial rule in Saint-Domingue.
Introduce today’s keywords: Harsh Conditions, Economic Inequality, French Revolutionary Influence, Colonial Oppression, Toussaint L’Ouverture.

Video Task:
Watch a video on the Haitian Revolution.
List as many causes of the event as you can hear.
Share your list with a partner and discuss.

Research Activity:
Research the following topics: Harsh Conditions for Enslaved People, Economic Inequality, French Revolutionary Influence, Colonial Oppression, Racial Discrimination, Leadership of Toussaint L’Ouverture, Maroons and Resistance Movements.
Use videos, information sheets, and the Internet for research.

Categorise/Sort:
Sort your evidence into categories: Political, Economic, Social, Racial Discrimination, Leadership of Toussaint L’Ouverture, Maroons and Resistance Movements.
Fill in your research table accordingly.

Guided Reading:
Complete a guided reading activity on the causes of the Haitian Revolution.
Subtitle each paragraph and note three key facts.
Look up any unknown words.

Explain the Causes of the Haitian Revolution:
Write an essay explaining the causes of the Haitian Revolution using the PEEKA structure.
Organise your essay into Economic Factors, Political Factors, and Social Factors.

Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph on one significant cause of the Haitian Revolution.
Use the PEEKA planning sheet for guidance.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs.
Reflect on the impact of the Haitian Revolution and its role in establishing Haiti as an independent black republic.

Recap Quiz:
What were the working conditions like for enslaved people on plantations in Saint-Domingue?
Why was economic inequality a cause of the Haitian Revolution?
How did the ideas of the French Revolution influence the people of Saint-Domingue?
What was the Code Noir and how did it affect the people of Saint-Domingue?
Who was Toussaint L’Ouverture and what role did he play in the Haitian Revolution?

Resources:
Video link on the Haitian Revolution
Research topics and table
Guided reading text
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet
Recap quiz questions