Jean-Jacques Dessalines was the first Haitian Emperor, leader of the Haitian Revolution, and the first ruler of an independent Haiti under the 1805 constitution. Initially regarded as governor-general, Dessalines was later named Emperor of Haiti as Jacques I (1804β1806) by generals of the Haitian Revolutionary army and ruled in that capacity until being assassinated in 1806. He spearheaded the resistance against French rule of Saint-Domingue, and eventually became the architect of the 1804 massacre of the remaining White French residents of newly independent Haiti. Alongside Toussaint Louverture, he has been referred to as one of the fathers of the nation of Haiti. Under the rule of Dessalines, Haiti became the first country in the Americas to permanently abolish slavery.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haitian emperor (died 1806)
On September 20, in the year 1758, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haitian emperor (died 1806). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of September 20, one of 434 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on September 20, 1758 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 26 August 2026.
On This Date in History 434
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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