Who Dat Nation Facts: the Haitian Revolt Doubled the Size of the United States Thru the Louisiana Purchase (636 hits)
The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) was a period of brutal conflict in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (present-day Republic of Haiti 1743-1803), led by fellow slave Toussaint Louverture who would later become governor of St. Domingue. The Revolution led to the elimination of slavery and the establishment of Haiti as the first republic ruled by people of African ancestry.
When Napoleon Bonaparte had tried and FAILED to re-conquer Saint-Domingue territory and re-establish slavery under his brother-in-law Charles Leclerc, he offered the U.S. all of Louisiana instead of just New Orleans, at an expense of $15 million, equivalent to about $219 million in present day terms.
The Purchase encompassed all or part of 14 current U.S. states and two Canadian provinces which doubled the size of the United States, comprises around 23% of current U.S. territory.
I Absolutely think that you're on point with your idea of using the Haitian Revolution for Black History Teaching. Our children should know all of our history, because we are all connected so it (Black History) shouldn't be limited to what happened in America. I find that teaching about others and being able to link it back is more interesting. I wonder if the State of Louisiana offers French as a second language in its elementary schools? That would be nice for the kids if they did.
Tuesday, February 8th 2011 at 10:40AM
Jen Fad
Saint, excellent post, we owe much to our brothers and sisters from that place called Haiti. And remember the first place the Haitians established in America or United States was New Orleans.
Jen, indeed we offer both French and Spanish in the elementary and high schools here in Louisiana, I took some beginners courses in both languages during my school years myself. However, with the increase of Hispanic students entering the New Orleans school system after Katrina I see Spanish becoming the most popular second language here...
Tuesday, February 8th 2011 at 1:25PM
Siebra Muhammad
@ Sister Siebra, How much of the second language is taugh in elementary (1st-5th grade) meaning do the teachers teach in the second language most of the time or does he/she instruct in english?
Tuesday, February 8th 2011 at 4:55PM
Jen Fad
Over here in Louisiana the elementary students do not receive Spanish as a second language until he/she enters the 4th grade. The Spanish teachers mostly instruct in English as part of their daily curriculum...
Tuesday, February 8th 2011 at 5:16PM
Siebra Muhammad
I think its unfortunate that LA isn't staying true to its French ancestry. ... French should be taught as a second language because of the history of the State.
Tuesday, February 8th 2011 at 10:46PM
Jen Fad
I agree...
Wednesday, February 9th 2011 at 10:55AM
Siebra Muhammad
...Or at least offered to see if there would be a interest in it... at any rate I'm glad to know that you are true to the Who Dat Nation!!
Wednesday, February 9th 2011 at 2:25PM
Jen Fad
504 BABY!!!
Wednesday, February 9th 2011 at 2:44PM
Siebra Muhammad
