Revolutions in Haiti and
Mexico
Haiti
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French ½ of the island of Hispaniola
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Lots of slaves to grow sugar.
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When French Revolution started, Slaves in Haiti
rebelled (1791).
Napoleon Sends troops in 1802 to put down the
revolution (slave uprising).
Map
Leader of the Revolution in Haiti

Toussaint L’Ouverture
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Educated slave

Great leader


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L’Ouveture is eventually captured and
taken to France where he dies in prison.
But French soldiers can’t stop the
revolution.
Why?

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A. Not used to fighting in the
jungle.
B. Yellow Fever kills over 40,000


French gave up in 1804
Revolution in Haiti is the only large-scale
slave rebellion that succeeds in the New
World.

Slavery is ended.

Most social change.
Revolution in Mexico

Revolution began in 1810.

Father Miguel Hidalgo rings bells to call people
to prayer on Sept. 16.

Then gives a speech calling for independence
from Spain.

Speech is known as, “el Grito de Dolores.” (The
cry of Dolores).

Father Hidalgo was caught and executed by the
Spanish.

Another priest, Father Jose Morelos took over
leadership of the revolution.


Morelos called not only for independence, but
also for equal rights for all classes and an end to
slavery.
Many Mexican Creoles did not like this and
helped the Spanish to capture Morelos and kill
him in 1815.

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Finally, a conservative Creole—Agustin
Iturbide—finished the fight against Spain.
Iturbide made himself dictator & did not
give people rights; especially non-creoles.
Iturbide was overthrown in 1823.
For the next 100 years Mexico was
dominated by military leaders (caudillos).
Latin America After the
Revolutions

The Revolutions in Latin America mainly benefited the
Creoles.

The Creoles replaced the Peninsulares at the top of society
while the other classes saw little change in their lives.

NO SOCIAL MOBILITY.

Most countries are oligarchies/dictatorships—they are ruled by
military strongmen (Caudillos).

Slavery continued. Lower classes are poor and landless.

Most people are not given rights: to vote, freedom of speech,
etc.
Economic Impact

Mercantilism ends.

England and the U.S. become the chief trading partners.

Most countries remain primarily agricultural.

They export crops and import manufactured goods.

Most land (farms) is owned by a small amount of creoles.
Much like feudalism.

Most of the wealth is in the hands of a few. Most people are
poor peasants.

Not much of a “middle class.”
Writing Assignment
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How “revolutionary” were the 17th and 18th
century revolutions in Latin America?
In your answer, be sure to asses the
revolution in terms of its impact socially,
politically, and economically.
A. Outline
B. Intro Paragraph