Haitian Revolution more similar to the AMERICAN Revolution or to the FRENCH Revolution

• Violence and Radicalism:
  • Both revolutions were marked by extreme violence and radical changes. The Reign of Terror in France mirrors the ferocity of the Haitian struggle against French colonists.
  • Both saw the complete upending of the pre-existing power structure.
• Ideological Underpinnings:
  • The Haitian Revolution, like the French, was deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideals. The concepts of natural rights and popular sovereignty resonated with enslaved Africans seeking liberation.
  • Both revolutions had leaders who were inspired by enlightenment philosophers.
• Global Impact:
  • Both the French and Haitian Revolutions sent shockwaves across the globe, challenging existing power structures and inspiring movements for change. The Haitian Revolution, in particular, was a powerful symbol of resistance against colonialism and slavery.
• Internal Conflict:
  • Both the Haitian revolution, and the French revolution, had considerable internal conflict, even after the main goals of the revolution were reached. This included fighting between those who were formerly on the same side of the conflict.

Differences from the American Revolution:

• While the American Revolution was also about liberty, its primary focus was on independence from colonial rule. It did not fundamentally alter the social structure in the same way. Critically it did not end slavery.
• The American Revolution, while disruptive, did not involve the same level of social upheaval as the Haitian and French Revolutions.
• The driving force of the Haitian revolution, was the enslaved population, rising up, against the oppressor. This is vastly different than the American revolution, which was driven by colonist, that were land owners.

In essence, the Haitian Revolution's emphasis on radical social change, its violent struggle for liberation, and its global impact align it more closely with the French Revolution.

In my estimation, the Haitian Revolution bears a much stronger resemblance to the French Revolution than to the American Revolution. Here's why:

Similarities to the French Revolution:

• Radical Social Transformation:
  • Both the Haitian and French Revolutions aimed for a complete overhaul of the existing social order. In France, it was the overthrow of the aristocracy and the establishment of a republic. In Haiti, it was the dismantling of the brutal slave system and the creation of a nation of free people.
  • Both revolutions were driven by the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. In Haiti, this meant the literal liberation from slavery and the creation of a society where all people, regardless of race, were considered equal.
  • This level of social change is far greater than what occurred during the American revolution.