Dessalines, Jean Jacques

views updated May 23 2018

Dessalines, Jean Jacques (1758–1806) Haitian ruler. He succeeded Toussaint L'Ouverture as leader of the revolution in 1802. Having driven out the French, he declared independence in 1804, changing the country's name from St Domingue to Haiti. As Emperor Jacques, he ruled despotically and was assassinated after a two-year reign.

More From encyclopedia.com