Haiti, before it achieved independence, was known as St. Domingue.
The Colonial Era: St. Domingue
Prior to its establishment as an independent nation, Haiti existed as a highly valuable French colony named St. Domingue. This territory comprised the western portion of the island of Hispaniola, which France had developed into a remarkably prosperous colonial enterprise.
A Profitable French Colony
By the 1760s, St. Domingue had ascended to become the most profitable colony in the Americas. Its immense wealth was generated primarily through extensive, slave-based sugar and coffee industries. The success of these industries was directly linked to the forced labor of enslaved people on vast plantations, making it a critical asset to the French empire. The transformation from St. Domingue to Haiti was a pivotal moment in history, representing the only successful slave revolt that led to the creation of an independent state.
Overview of St. Domingue
Here's a summary of Haiti's identity before its independence:
| Former Name | Colonial Power | Primary Economic Activities | Historical Significance (Pre-Independence) |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Domingue | France | Sugar and coffee production (slave-based) | Most profitable colony in the Americas by the 1760s |
