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Stigmatizing Forgotten Allies: Haiti’s Role in American Independence and Global Liberation Movements [1]
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Date: 2025-03-17
Denise Oliver Velez’s article, “Caribbean Matters: Trump Stigmatized Haitians—and now he's deporting them,” highlights how little Haiti’s critical role in America's fight for independence is acknowledged—not just by President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, but by the American public as a whole. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Semiquincentennial will serve as a moment of national reflection—a time to honor the bravery of those who defied an empire in 1776. It will be the most significant celebration since the Bicentennial in 1976, a testament to the resilience of the American experiment. However, Haiti’s contribution to that fight—both militarily and financially—must be part of that story.
The Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue: Forgotten Heroes of the American Revolution
One of the most overlooked aspects of America’s war for independence is the role played by the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, a regiment of free men of color from Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti) who fought under the French Expeditionary forces. They were the largest Black military unit in the war, playing a crucial role in the Siege of Savannah (1779).
The Siege of Savannah: A Costly Battle
By December 1778, the British had shifted their focus from the northern colonies to the South, capturing Savannah, Georgia. The battle to retake Savannah between September 16 and October 18, 1779, became one of the war's bloodiest battles. British forces, numbering 3,200 troops, occupied Savannah for a year before being challenged by 600 Continental Army soldiers under General Benjamin Lincoln, supported by 3,500 French troops led by First Lieutenant Count d’Estaing. Among these were 800 Chasseurs-Volontaires from Saint-Domingue and other French Caribbean colonies, outnumbering the American forces.
The Chasseurs-Volontaires played a pivotal role, conducting reconnaissance missions before the battle and serving as the rear guard during the retreat—sustaining heavy casualties. They fought with determination and boldness, gaining recognition as one of the most cohesive and disciplined Allied units in the fight. However, a leak from American deserters sabotaged the Allied attack, preventing victory. Despite the siege's failure, their commitment to the American cause remained steadfast.
Haiti’s Economic & Military Contribution to American Independence
Beyond their direct military service, Haiti—then known as Saint-Domingue—was the wealthiest colony in the Caribbean, producing vast amounts of sugar and coffee for France. This wealth helped finance France’s military operations, which provided crucial support for the Continental Army. The French navy and troops deployed from Saint-Domingue played a decisive role in disrupting British supply lines and bolstering American forces at critical moments.
Key Contributions of the Chasseurs-Volontaires & Saint-Domingue
Honoring the Chasseurs-Volontaires Today
The legacy of the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue has finally received recognition. A monument in Benjamin Franklin Square in Savannah, Georgia, commemorates their sacrifice and contribution to American independence.
Historian Phillip Thomas Tucker’s book Brothers in Liberty: The Forgotten Story of the Free Black Haitians Who Fought for American Independence also sheds light on their overlooked heroism.
Conclusion: A Story That Must Be Told
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, Haiti’s role in the American Revolution must be acknowledged. Without the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue, Saint-Domingue's economic wealth, which funded France’s war efforts, and the broader contributions of Black soldiers, America’s path to independence might have been far more uncertain.
The Haitian people—who fought and died in Savannah for an American cause—deserve to be remembered as an integral part of the fight for freedom, not only in the U.S. but across the entire hemisphere. The Caribbean does matter.
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https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/17/2310784/-Stigmatizing-Forgotten-Allies-Haiti-s-Role-in-American-Independence-and-Global-Liberation-Movements?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=latest_community&pm_medium=web
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