In C.L.R. James’ The Black Jacobins, the Haitian/San Domingo Revolution of 1791-1803 is studied. James analyzes this revolution and its progress through an economic perspective, rather than through a racial perspective. Through entwining the events of the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution, James successfully relates the two events and how they ultimately influence each other.
Sam Domingo existed not only as a French colony, but also as a hub for the French Empire African slave trade. As a result, France’s international relations, especially with Britain and the United States, as well as within its own social structure, influenced and shaped the proceedings of the San Domingo revolution. James’ emphasis on class distinctions, rather than race distinctions, formed his opinion that the French Revolution was a significant factor and influence in the Haitian Revolution. Some of the events, such as proletariat rebellions and the storming of the Bastille, produced much effect on the slaves of San Domingo.
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There is much focus on Toussaint L’Ouverture as a revolutionary leader, as well. L’Ouverture’s role in the revolution, as well as his life, are both well studied in this book. He had tremendous influence with bringing together revolutionary forces and leading key battles. His leadership and role is a driving force throughout the book. There is also considerable blurring between actual events in history and literature, as L’Ouverture’s character emerges as a tragic hero. Ultimately, he is captured before the revolution is finished. The Black Jacobins may be the most accurate and descriptive account of the revolution; however, some critics have called it idealistic.
James also describes in great detail the effects of colonialism and how it is responsible for generating many of the separate social classes in San Domingo. San Domingo’s social classes, as a result, form the foundation for individuals creating their own coalition to a particular group through the course of the revolution. In this way, James attributes many of society’s problems to the distinctive social classes. The societal structure, according to James, creates racism’s deep roots, which manifests itself in cases such as the revolution of San Domingo.
Blacks were originally transported as slaves to San Domingo; however, James examines the undercurrents of the complexities involved with the class divisions there. Classes were formed and divided based on “mulattoes,” “free blacks,” “big whites,” “small whites,” and “slaves.” In this way, the structure was not based on actual racial divides, but instead on the economics between classes.
One such example of the perceived fluidity in forming coalitions is the mulattos. Although the mulattos were, for the most part, free and land owning, they wished to hold their place in social structure to maintain their clout. As a result, they would support the French forces if it appeared that they would succeed. However, they would change their support to the slaves if they began to do well so as to benefit themselves in the restructuring of society.
This type of association and positioning of power was an influential aspect of the revolution. As this example portrays, as well as other examples throughout the books, James reveals that economic differences are more responsible for the revolution than racial differences. However, racism did play a significant role throughout. Throughout the book, James points to class status and economic power as playing a larger role in social structure, as well as the revolution. The economic disparities, as a result, implemented the deep roots of racial prejudices, which become apparent by the end of the revolution with the destruction of mulattos and whites on the island.
In summary, James’ The Black Jacobins takes a closer look at the San Domingo Revolution, as well as the French Revolution. He attributes the revolution widely to the differences in economic classes, rather than racial divisions.
