The role of the Haitian Revolution in the abolition of the slave trade
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the extent of the role of the Haitian Revolution in the abolition of slave trade around the world.
Key learning points
- The Haitian Revolution was a successful slave revolt and Britain feared this would inspire more.
- Britain’s attempt to reinstate slavery in Haiti strengthened abolitionism, resulting in the 1807 Slave Trade Act.
- France initially opposed the Haitian Revolution, but being unable to put it down, abolished slavery in 1794.
- Economic problems in France led to Napoleon trying (and failing) to recapture the colony and restore slavery.
- The Haitian Revolution contributed to the end of slavery in Britain and France, but hardened US attitudes.
Keywords
Independent - something or someone who has the power and ability to make their own decisions and is not controlled by others
Abolition - the legal outlawing of enslavement in a nation or empire
Emancipation - the freeing of enslaved people through abolition
Common misconception
The Haitian Revolution directly inspired the abolition of slavery everywhere.
The events of the Haitian Revolution strengthened Britain's abolitionist movement and helped France to initially abolish slavery in 1794; but under Napoleon the threat of enslavement returned.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to view the Haitian Revolution as part of a wider picture of causes of the abolition of slavery.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who wrote an autobiography about their life as an enslaved person that brought awareness to the British public about the realities of enslavement?
Q2.What was the name of the French colony where the Haitian Revolution broke out in 1791?
Q3.Match the legal reforms below to their descriptions.
British law outlawing buying, selling or transporting enslaved people
French law outlawing enslavement throughout the French Empire
French law by Napoleon reinstating enslavement in the French Empire
Haitian law declaring freedom from France and independence for Haiti
Q4.Put the following events into chronological order, beginning with the earliest:
Q5.Which three adjectives best describe the idea of enslavement, from a human rights perspective?
Q6.Complete the following sentence with the first name of the relevant person: " L'Ouverture led the Haitian rebels during the Haitian Revolution until his capture and imprisonment by France."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the countries with the statements, thinking about the extent of the impact that the Haitian Revolution had on abolition in these countries.
a big impact
a mixed impact
little impact
Q2.Which British abolitionist was strengthened by the Haitian Revolution?
Q3.Complete the following sentence: The Haitian Revolution quickly led to the abolition of enslavement throughout France’s , but Napoleon overturned this decision soon afterwards.
Q4.Which of the following statements are accurate?
Q5.Where were Britain worried that slave revolts would spread to?
Q6.What does 'emancipation' mean?
To help you plan your 9 history lesson on: The role of the Haitian Revolution in the abolition of the slave trade, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 history lesson on: The role of the Haitian Revolution in the abolition of the slave trade, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Haitian Revolution: what was its role in the abolition of the slave trade? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.