The revolution in Haiti freed the country from French control and created the first Black republic after years of fighting, in 1804. Leslie Alexander tells Don how the revolution became possible and why it had such an impact on the United States - which doubled in size following the Louisiana Purchase from France when the revolution was almost won; and whose white population feared a similar uprising by its own enslaved black community.

Produced by Benjie Guy. Mixed by Stuart Beckwith. Senior Producer: Charlotte Long.For more History Hit content, subscribe to our newsletters here.

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