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2. Military Leader

Toussaint develops strong skills as a military commander, and is for the first time likened to Spartacus. Read by Adrian Lester.

Following the 1791 Saint Domingue uprising, Toussaint Louverture shows himself to be a highly focussed military leader.

He's not afraid either to discipline his troops or to take part in fierce battle. Yet he's also a man of great compassion in line with his Christian faith.

On 1 April 1796, the Republican French governor Étienne Laveaux organised a grand ceremony to mark Toussaint Louverture becoming his deputy.

Toussaint was saluted as ‘the saviour of legitimate authority’, and for the first time publicly likened to Spartacus.

Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Abridged by Libby Spurrier

Read by Adrian Lester

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

14 minutes

Last on

Wed 2 Apr 2025 03:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 17 Nov 2020 09:45
  • Wed 18 Nov 2020 00:30
  • Tue 1 Apr 2025 08:30
  • Tue 1 Apr 2025 13:30
  • Tue 1 Apr 2025 19:30
  • Wed 2 Apr 2025 03:30