First Head of State of Haiti – Founder of Independence

Overview

• Term: January 1804 – October 1806 (2 years 6 months)
• Age at inauguration: 45 years old
• Title: Governor-General for life (1804), later Emperor Jacques I (1804 – 1806)

Major Events

• 1804: Massacre of the French colonists who remained in Haiti
• 1805: Proclamation of the Empire and promulgation of Haiti’s first Constitution
• 1805: Military campaign against French forces in the East.

Personal Profile

• Born enslaved in Grande Rivière du Nord (1758).
• Skilled as a carpenter and potter.
• A courageous soldier but known for harshness and cruelty.
• Sober man: did not drink wine, gamble, or indulge in rich food—lived on local staples.
• Fond of dance and festivities.

Rise to Power

• Promoted to General of Division under Toussaint Louverture.
• After the defection of French troops (1802), he reorganized the indigenous army.
• Led the War of Independence and secured French surrender in 1803.
• Proclaimed Haiti’s independence on January 1, 1804, at Gonaïves.

His Rule

• Governed with force, concentrating all power in his hands.
• Introduced Haiti’s first Constitution (May 20, 1805).
• Created an embryonic administration and reorganized the economy.
• Imposed trade restrictions (limited exports, property revisions, state controls).
• His reign was marked by suspicion, repression, and strong centralization.

Downfall and Death

• October 1806: Uprisings in Les Cayes, Aquin, and Port-au-Prince.
• October 17, 1806: Dessalines was ambushed and killed at Pont Larnage, near Port-au-Prince.