The Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution

From Short History Of... by NOISER

May 17, 2026 · 58 min · Season 6 · Episode 236

About this episode

This episode explores the Haitian Revolution, the first successful uprising of enslaved people to establish a nation-state.

The first and only successful uprising of enslaved people to establish a nation-state, the Haitian Revolution began in the French colony of Saint-Domingue in 1791. Inspired, in part, by the ideals of liberty and equality of the French Revolution, what began as scattered uprisings among the plantations quickly grew into a full-scale insurrection. But how did the Haitian Revolution begin? Who were the brave men and women who risked everything for freedom? And why has the world never stopped punishing Haiti for daring to claim its liberty? This is a Short History Of the Haitian Revolution. A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins. With thanks to Marlene Daut, Professor of French and African Diaspora Studies at Yale University, and author of The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe. Written by Nicola Rayner | Produced by Kate Simants | Production Assistant: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Katrina Hughes | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design by The Soundhouse Studios | Assembly edit by Anisha Deva | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cody Reynolds-Shaw | Fact Check: Sean Coleman Unlock the next…

People in this episode

Host: John Hopkins

Topics covered

  • Haitian Revolution
  • enslavement
  • liberty
  • French Revolution
  • insurrection
  • history
  • freedom

Keywords

  • Haitian Revolution
  • enslaved people
  • liberty
  • French colony
  • insurrection
  • freedom
  • history

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe

Places: Haiti, Saint-Domingue

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