THE HAITIAN REVOLUTION: LEGACY AN D ACTUALITY

The main objective of this article is to help to correct the partial and undervalued image that is spread globally about Haiti: a country that is all too often presented as the Western Hemisphere's poorest, without reference to the factors that have led to its current situation. Extraordinary aspects of its history are overlooked, particularly the many gains made by its inhabitants - slaves of African origin, who not only created the great wealth that enabled France to develop capitalism, but also managed to abolish slavery and achieve national independence. This article argues that it is essential to understand the Haitian Revolution, over 200 years after its triumph, in order to reflect upon the profound social importance of this event led by slaves - a feature that explains its peculiarities, historical significance and the stigma that it and the Haitian nation have suffered.