Ory Review & Enrichment
What is the main idea of Toussaint L'Ouverture's
argument in this passage?
Do they think that men who have been able to enjoy the
blessing of liberty will calmly see it snatched away? They
supported their chains only so long as they did not know
any condition of life more happy than that of slavery. But
to-day when they have left it, if they had a thousand lives
they would sacrifice them all rather than be forced into
slavery again. But no, the same hand which has broken
our chains will not enslave us anew. I declare to you to re-
establish slavery would be to attempt the impossible: we
have known how to face dangers to obtain our liberty, we
shall know how to brave death to maintain it.
Toussaint L'Ouverture, 1797
It would be impossible to re-enslave Haitians since
they understand the value of freedom.
Once freedom can be achieved, the people will not
appreciate what they have won.
The people of Haiti are unwilling to fight against
slavery any longer.
Freedom is impossible to achieve; the people have
been enslaved too long,