Emperor Jacques I, born Jean-Jacques Dessalines, played a pivotal role in the Haitian Revolution, leading the struggle for independence from French colonial rule and declaring Haiti an empire in 1804. His reign, however, quickly became characterized by tyranny and oppression, raising concerns among his allies and subjects. The aftermath of independence saw the abolition of slavery, but Dessalines instituted a brutal regime to maintain order and loyalty, often using violence against those who opposed him. Over time, dissatisfaction grew, particularly among former comrades who felt marginalized and threatened by his autocratic style. His rule increasingly alienated the very people who once fought alongside him for liberation.

On October 17, 1806, this growing discontent reached a boiling point. A group of conspirators, which included some of his close associates, plotted against him. Under the guise of a meeting, they ambushed Jacques I in Port-au-Prince, assassinating him. His death did not merely mark the end of his rule but initiated a collapse of the imperial structure he had established. Subsequently, Haiti was plunged into a cycle of instability and infighting, leading to the fragmentation of power among rival factions. This assassination set a precedent for political violence in Haiti that would affect its governance for years to come.