Creole New Orleans in the Revolutionary Atlantic, 1775-1877

In 1809-10, refugees of the Haitian Revolution doubled the size of New Orleans, and in 1811, hundreds of Saint-Dominguan, African, and Louisianan plantation workers marched downriver in the nation's largest-ever slave revolt. In Creole New Orleans in the Revolutionary Atlantic, {PHONE}, Caryn Cossé Bell sets forth these momentous events and much more to document the revolutionary era's impact on the city. Hélène d'Aquin Allain's memoir provides a framework for exploring the city's presence at the crossroads of the revolutionary Atlantic, and her cultural and political legacy remains a formidable presence in twenty-first-century New Orleans.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2023
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

In the vibrant city of New Orleans, the Age of Democratic Revolution left an indelible mark that was truly remarkable. In the years 1809-10, a wave of refugees fleeing the Haitian Revolution swelled the population, doubling the size of the city. But that was just the beginning of a series of momentous events that shaped the course of history. In 1811, a historic slave revolt unfolded, as hundreds of plantation workers from Saint-Domingue, Africa, and Louisiana marched towards New Orleans, seeking freedom and justice. This revolt, known as the Battle of New Orleans, was the largest slave uprising in the nation's history, and it was largely fueled by the presence of itinerant revolutionaries from across the Atlantic who had gathered in New Orleans in support of Latin American independence. These revolutionaries, including both Black and White refugee soldiers from the Haitian Revolution, played a pivotal role in the decisive victory over the British forces. After defeating the British, the soldiers joined forces once again to fight against Spanish imperialism, further cementing New Orleans' status as a hub of revolutionary activity.

In her captivating book, "Creole New Orleans in the Revolutionary Atlantic, {PHONE}," Caryn Cossé Bell delves deep into the rich tapestry of this revolutionary era. Bell's study begins with the memoir of Hélène d'Aquin Allain, a French Creole and descendant of the refugee community who grew up in antebellum New Orleans. Allain's memoir offers a firsthand account of the city's involvement in the Haitian Revolution, as her ancestors fought alongside the Savarys, a politically influential free family of color. The d'Aquin family network, interracial alliances, and business partnerships formed during this time provide a valuable framework for exploring New Orleans' profound presence at the crossroads of the revolutionary Atlantic.

New Orleans, during the French Romanticism era, witnessed a cultural revolution that reverberated across various aspects of society. Religious beliefs, literature, politics, and even medicine were profoundly influenced by the ideals of the Romantic movement. The city became a hotbed of intellectual and artistic activity, with writers, artists, and thinkers exploring new ideas and challenging traditional norms. The movement's politicized nature also led to significant social and political changes, as people demanded greater rights and equality for all.

The impact of the Haitian Revolution on New Orleans was particularly profound. The city became a refuge for those seeking freedom and a new life, and it played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement. The slave revolt of 1811, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, inspired many people to join the fight for freedom and justice, and New Orleans became a center of abolitionist activity. The city's rich cultural heritage, including its French, Spanish, and African influences, also contributed to its unique identity and character.

In conclusion, the Age of Democratic Revolution had a profound influence on New Orleans, shaping its history, culture, and identity. The city's involvement in the Haitian Revolution, the slave revolt of 1811, and the presence of revolutionaries from across the Atlantic all contributed to its status as a hub of revolutionary activity. Caryn Cossé Bell's book "Creole New Orleans in the Revolutionary Atlantic, {PHONE}" offers a valuable insight into this remarkable period, shedding light on the city's rich heritage and its role in shaping the course of history.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807179376