Rituals, Runaways, and the Haitian Revolution: Collective Action in the African Diaspora

The Haitian Revolution was a successful slave rebellion that created the first and only free and independent Black nation in the Americas. Enslaved Africans used their cultural and religious heritages, social networks, and labor and militaristic skills to survive and build racial solidarity. This book fills an important gap in the literature on the revolution by analyzing underexplored archival sources and advertisements for fugitives from slavery.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Haitian Revolution stands as a remarkable and unparalleled triumph in the annals of slave rebellions, resulting in the establishment of the first and sole free and independent Black nation in the Americas. This captivating book delves into the captivating tale of enslaved Africans forcibly transported to colonial Haiti through the treacherous trans-Atlantic slave trade. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, these resilient individuals harnessed their cultural and religious heritage, robust social networks, and remarkable labor and militaristic skills to endure the oppressive conditions. Through intricate rituals and marronnage, they forged profound connections and alliances, creating a network of solidarity that played a pivotal role in propelling the revolution to success. By meticulously analyzing underexplored archival sources and advertisements for fugitives from slavery, Crystal Eddins uncovers evidence of collective consciousness and unity, unveiling patterns of resistance that challenge prevailing narratives. This groundbreaking work not only fills a significant gap in the existing literature on the Haitian Revolution but also offers valuable insights into the resilience and ingenuity of the enslaved people who shaped its course. Moreover, this title is available as Open Access on Cambridge Core, ensuring wider accessibility and dissemination of this important historical scholarship.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009256155
Edition number: 2 Revised edition