Second Empire of Haiti

Quick Facts: Who was Second Empire of Haiti?

Subject:

Second Empire of Haiti

Known for:

Haitian state (1849-1859) established by Faustin Soulouque, modeled after Napoleonic empires.

Died:

1867-08-06

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Second Empire of Haiti, officially known as the Empire of Haiti (French: Empire d'Haïti, Haitian Creole: Anpi an Ayiti), was a state which existed from 1849 to 1859. It was established by the then-President, former Lieutenant General and Supreme Commander of the Presidential Guards under President Riché, Faustin Soulouque, who, inspired by Napoleon, declared himself Emperor Faustin I on 26 August 1849 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Port-au-Prince. Faustin's unsuccessful invasions (in part due to the diplomatic interference of the United States and Spain) in an attempt to reconquer the Dominican Republic (in 1849, 1850, 1855 and 1856), which had declared independence from Haiti in 1844, undermined his control over the country. In 1858, a revolution began, led by General Fabre Geffrard, Duke of Tabara. In December of that year, Geffrard defeated the Imperial Army and seized control of most of the country.

Career & Major Achievements

As a result, the Emperor abdicated his throne on 15 January 1859. Refused aid by the French Legation, Faustin was taken into exile aboard a British warship on 22 January 1859. General Geffrard succeeded him as President. Soon afterwards, the Emperor and his family arrived in Kingston, Jamaica, where they remained for several years. Allowed to return to Haiti, Faustin died at Petit-Goâve on 6 August 1867 and was buried at Fort Soulouque.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On 1 March 1847, General Faustin Soulouque was elected President of the Republic by the Senate and succeeded President Riché, who died in office. During his tenure, the latter had acted as a straw man for the Boyerist ruling class, who immediately sought a replacement. His attention quickly turned to Faustin Soulouque, in whom most saw someone a little withdrawn and ignorant. The 65-year-old seemed like a malleable candidate and was therefore driven to accept the role that was being offered to him. He was sworn in on 2 March 1847.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1847: 1847 Milestone — On 1 March 1847, General Faustin Soulouque was elected President of the Republic by the Senate and succeeded President Riché, who died in office.
2. 1849: 1849 Milestone — The Second Empire of Haiti, officially known as the Empire of Haiti (French: Empire d'Haïti, Haitian Creole: Anpi an Ayiti), was a state which existed from 1849 to 1859.
3. 1858: 1858 Milestone — In 1858, a revolution began, led by General Fabre Geffrard, Duke of Tabara.
4. 1859: 1859 Milestone — As a result, the Emperor abdicated his throne on 15 January 1859.
5. 1867 (1867-08-06): Passing & Historical Legacy — Second Empire of Haiti passed away on 1867-08-06, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Second Empire of Haiti

“Long live freedom, long live love!” (1852)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Second Empire of Haiti

True or False: “Faustin Soulouque's initial seizure of power involved the massacre of mulattoes in Port-au-Prince.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly mentions that this process included a massacre of mulattoes in Port-au-Prince on 16 April 1848.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Second Empire of Haiti