Toussaint Louverture Birthday & Fun Facts

Toussaint Louverture Birthday Highlights

Birth Name

Francois-Dominique Toussaint Louverture

Place Of Birth

Cap-Francais, Haiti

Age

280 years old

Birth Date

May 20 1743

Toussaint Louverture Facts

Child Star?

no

Occupation

Military General, Revolutionary Leader

Education & Qualifications

Net Worth

$1,500,000

Current Partner

Suzanne Simone Baptiste Louverture

Children

Isaac, Saint-Jean, Placide

Parents

Gaou Guinou, Pauline

Siblings

Paul Louverture

Toussaint Louverture was a Haitian general and one of the best prominent leaders.

Francois-Dominique Toussaint Louverture was distinguished as the leader of the Haitian Revolution. He began fighting against the French and finally against the French Colony, ultimately causing the Haitian Independence.

Born on May 20, 1743, in Cap-Francais, Saint Domingue, Toussaint Louverture was a revolutionary leader known as the 'Father of Haiti'. He was a revolutionary leader displaying political acumen and military that transformed the slave rebellion into a revolutionary movement.

What was Toussaint Louverture's net worth?

Toussaint Louverture earned his net worth from his salary as a leader in the Haitian war and the Haitian Revolution. In today's time, his net worth would be around $1.5 million.

How much did Toussaint Louverture earn per year?

Toussaint Louverture's annual income is unknown in the public database. It is challenging to calculate his yearly income as his work as a leader of the Haitian Revolution was unknown. Hence, it makes it even more difficult to calculate his income in today's times.

How tall was Toussaint Louverture?

Toussaint Louverture was nearly 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) tall.

How old was Toussaint Louverture?

Toussaint Louverture was 59 years old at the time of his death on April 7, 1803. Born on May 20, 1743, in Cap-Francais, Santo Domingo, Haiti, Toussaint Louverture breathed his last on April 7, 1803, in Fort-de-Joux, First French Republic.

Toussaint Louverture was born on May 20, 1743 in Breda at Haut de Cap in Saint Domingue. There is very little information about his childhood because of the fact that not many records were kept for the people back then, especially those not in prominent positions. He was born to Gaou Guinou and Pauline. His birthdate was estimated to be May 20, 1743, based on his age. His parental ancestry includes the King of Allada. Toussaint Louverture had several siblings, names of whom are unknown, but Paul Louverture was one of them. His godfather was Pierre Baptiste Simon.

Pierre Baptiste Simon was a free person in Saint Domingue and godfather of Toussaint Louverture, and was also his teacher. There is speculation that Toussaint Louverture had an intellectual background. But there is no precise information available about his authentic educational experience. Still, it is safe to say he had learned to write in French and Creole because of his written letters found later on at his place.

Who was Toussaint Louverture's partner?

In 1782, Toussaint Louverture married Suzanne Simone Baptiste Louverture, the daughter of his godfather from Saint Domingue. He was the father to 16 children, but all of their names are unknown. Isaac, Saint-Jean, and Placide are his children's names. 11 of his children predeceased Toussaint Louverture.

Best Known For…

Toussaint Louverture had some knowledge of the French language, and he acquired contacts with Jesuit missionaries by speaking, writing, and employing Haitian Creole and African tribal languages. He became a livestock handler, healer, coachman, and finally, a steward after winning favor from the plantation manager.

Toussaint Louverture became legally free in 1776 and started to build his career. In August 1791, a revolt soon spread, encompassing thousands of socially marginalized people of the colony. Toussaint Louverture joined the Black forces who were burning plantations and agitating against European powers after being hesitant for weeks. He helped his former master escape. The rebel leaders soon discerned the ineptitude and the willingness to compromise with European radicals and were scorned.

Toussaint Louverture had collected an army of his own and trained his followers in guerrilla warfare tactics. He added his original name to the name Louverture in 1793. The significance of the name is based on his tactical ability as a commander in his military work. In 1793, Spain and France went to war, and the Black commanders joined the Spanish forces of Santo Domingo. They also joined Hispaniola, now known as the Dominican Republic. Toussaint Louverture was a general and was knighted while showing some extraordinary military abilities, which made other renowned warriors join, such as his nephew Moise. His success and victories brought the French people close to disaster.

In 1794, Toussaint Louverture went to the French troops because he believed and appreciated that the French National Convention freed all the socially marginalized people while British troops and Spanish people still refused to do so. This made him a republican. He was criticized for his duplicity. The Britishers suffered reverses during these times. Toussaint Louverture became part of modern history and was widely renowned by 1795. He was mostly known for restoring the economy in the aftermath of the war. He defined French Revolution and allowed planters to return. To prevent idleness, he forced formerly marginalized people to work. But since they were legally free, they shared the profits of restored plantations.

In 1798 and 1799, lucrative trade began between Britain and the United States of America. Meanwhile, the Colonial rule offered to get him recognition as king of an independent Haiti, but he refused because they were still maintaining slavery. Later, Toussaint Louverture turned Spanish while controlling Saint Domingue. Here slavery persisted, but he ignored commands from Napoleon Bonaparte. Later, in January 1801, France was free of marginalized people. He dictated a constitution and made himself the Governor-General with absolute powers. Toussaint Louverture died before the most violent stage of the Haitian Revolution, in which Haiti ultimately won the war. But he was not there to see his efforts turn into victory. Yet, his achievements set the grounds for the Haitian army to get going and achieve the success he wished for his people and fellow citizens.

• Toussaint Louverture was an Aries by birth, as he was born on May 20, 1743.
• Toussaint Louverture mostly used the masonic symbol as his signature.
• Toussaint Louverture was imprisoned by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, which was confirmed by many authors, including his son Isaac Louverture. He died in prison on April 7, 1803, due to exhaustion, malnutrition, and pneumonia, and it is quite a possibility that he even had tuberculosis which was not curable at the time.
• That would explain the apoplexy Toussaint Louverture had while he was on the death bed. He breathed his last in Fort-de-Joux, the First French Republic, now known as France.
• While he was part of the army for Haiti, Toussaint Louverture suffered a massive loss not only to the war but to yellow fever as well.

We would love your help! If you have a photo of Toussaint Louverture, either of them alone or a selfie that you would be happy to share, please send it to [email protected].
If you have knowledge or information that you think would help us improve this article, please contact us.