I'm working on a global studies writing question and need support to help me learn.
1. What are the central arguments and/or major themes of The Black Jacobins?
2. C..R. James's analysis of events begins with and builds on a rich description of the social conditions
on the island before the revolution, including the brutality of slavery, as well as broader class and
racial dynamics. What purpose do these descriptions serve? What is James attempting to tell us
about this revolution and revolutions in general?
3. Beyond the slaves, James identifies several different distinct groups of people that laid claim to and
felt they belonged on the island. Who were they and what motivated and/or divided them?
4. Throughout the text, James adopts an overtly critical and sometimes sarcastic tone toward the three
colonial powers most central to the unfolding of the revolution. Who were the three powers, and
what did James believe motivated their actions? What was his critique?
5. The Haitian Revolution has been called the only successful slave revolution in modern history. What,
according to James, were the key factors in its success?
6. In what ways did Toussaint L'Ouverture's desire to cultivate a multi-racial "civilization" on San
Domingo negatively impact his Black supporters? Refer to at least two examples.
7. For James, why are the masses, be they French peasants or Black slaves, central drivers of
revolutionary struggle? What role did the masses play in both the French and Haitian Revolutions?
8. According to James, what is the role of leadership in a revolution, and why does he think Toussaint
was, at least for a time, the leader the slave revolt needed? What, according to James, made
Toussaint one of the most important and powerful leaders of the era?
9. What factors led to Toussaint's waning support among both the masses and his Black generals?
10. Why does James consistently refer to his own time and other revolutionary moments when
discussing the unfolding of the Haitian revolution? Who is this book for, and what do you think
James hoped telling this story might achieve?
11. How is the unfolding of the French Revolution connected to the unfolding of the slave revolt in San
Domingo? By switching back and forth between the two, and examining the exchange of ideas that
took place, which revolution does James suggest was ultimately most responsive to the idea of
liberty and why?
