In August 1791, the enslaved population of Saint-Domingue, present-day Haiti, initiated a revolution that would have lasting repercussions across the globe. Dissatisfied with the harsh realities of slavery, the rebellion was ignited during a vodou ceremony led by Boukman Dutty, a key figure in the uprising. This meeting, held in the Bois Caïman, served as both a spiritual rallying point and a declaration of resistance against the plantation system. Enslaved people, inspired by revolutionary ideas and the burgeoning discontent with colonial rule, took up arms against their oppressors. The initial violent confrontations on plantations marked the start of a widespread uprising, with thousands committing to the cause of emancipation and rights. The revolution expanded rapidly with numerous leaders emerging and various factions forming, as the enslaved individuals aimed for independence while compelling the colonial authorities to confront the reality of their reign of terror.

As the fight progressed, the French Revolution's principles of liberty and equality influenced the leaders and the enslaved population, merging local aspirations with broader revolutionary ideals. The insurrection led to the establishment of a complex alliance system among enslaved groups, mulattoes, and free black individuals, as factions sometimes competed for power and recognition amidst the chaos. This multi-faceted struggle saw brutal reprisals and fierce engagements, with plantations set ablaze and cities falling to revolutionary forces. Over the years, this insurrection would morph into a definitive conflict that ultimately resulted in the independence of Haiti and the dismantling of slavery in the region, setting a precedent for anti-colonial and anti-slavery movements globally.