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1791
In August 1791, the Haitian Revolution began. Slave rebellions started in Saint Domingue (todays Haiti), they burned sugar plantations and killed masters. -
1792
On April 4th, the French legislature granted equal rights to all French people. This legislature was the first step in ending slavery. -
1793
Toussaint Louverture, a military general, gained power through military actions. -
1794
On February 4th, the French legislature slavery was officially abolished in all French colonies, including Saint Domingue. -
1801
Saint Domingue drafted its first constitution on July 8th. The constitution made the military leader, Toussaint, governor for life. -
1802
The military leader, Toussaint, was defeated by the French. Toussaint had the support of the Spanish, but not the people of Saint Domingue -
1803
Saint Domingue declared itself independent and changed to the name Haiti.