Under French rule Haiti flourished Haitian products became in great demand in the European market. The tiny island became a resource for cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, and coffee. Due to the great demands for products, the French looked to Africa as a solution to labor problems. They imported slves from the west coast of Africa

By 1780, Haiti was one of the richest regions in the wold. France relied on the slav trade to maintain its economic base. The slave population totaled more than 450,000. The slaves brought with them religious practiced of voodoo, which was more a lifestyle than a religion. the French treated the slves with harshness htat created a hatred environment.

In 1791 slve rebellion was initiated against the French. This was inspired by the French Revolution. This rebellion was led by Toussaint L' Ouvertue, Jean Jacques Dessalines, Henri Christophe, Alexandre Sabes Petion, and Jean Pierre boyer. L'Ouvertue had freed the colony's slave popualtion and got rid of its French and British presence. The Haitians slaves over came Napoleon and by 1804, Haiti became the first black Independant nation. General Dessalines declare himself emperor. The abuses of Dessalines led to his assassination. The northern part of Haiti was led by Christophe, an illiterate ex-slave and the southern part was ruled by Petion, a mulatto. When Christophe died the north and south united. 1844 the island spilt into two countries Haiti and Dominican Republic.

The history of Haiti at that point was characterized by a struggel for politcal power between blacks and mutattoes.