Chapter 228 Napoleon's Leniency
"I've been going through the reports about what's been going on in Saint-Domingue, trying to get a handle on the situation," Napoleon said as he smacked his lips. "I must? say, it's been pretty brutal."
"There has been a lot of power struggle in Saint-Domingue, Your Excellency. Only our faction has managed to make any real headway," Toussaint replied, his expression earnest as he leaned forward slightly. "The different groups on the island have been wrestling for control, but our faction has been the most successful in making progress."
Napoleon nodded, taking another bite of his cake before responding. "And you accepted my invitation to Paris to make sure that progress goes steady, am I right?"
Toussaint nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Your Excellency. Being here gives me the chance to establish a direct line of communication with the French Republic and ensure that our efforts in Saint-Domingue align with the larger goals."
Napoleon's eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded Toussaint. "So, what do you propose?"
Toussaint's gaze met Napoleon's with unwavering determination. He took a moment to steady himself, knowing that what he was about to suggest could have far-reaching implications. Gathering his resolve, he spoke up.
"Your Excellency, my primary aim is to legitimize my rule in Saint-Domingue," Toussaint began,
"Legitimize your rule?" Napoleon repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. "Isn't that just another way of saying you want independence?"
Toussaint shook his head. "No, Your Excellency, it's not about independence. It's about securing a recognized and respected position within the framework of the French Republic. We want autonomy, the ability to govern our own affairs while maintaining a cooperative relationship with France."
"Hoh?" Napoleon mused. "What if I refuse, Louverture? What if I told you right now that we won't grant your request? Instead, I will send an expeditionary force to Saint-Domingue and return to what it was once, 12 years ago? A sugar plantation, whose economy is subservient to the Republic of France."
"Should you do that, Your Excellency," Toussaint responded firmly, "I'd say that the enslaved people, who are the majority on the island, will fight to the death to prevent that from happening. Because they already experienced what freedom tastes like. They've tasted the idea of governing themselves, and they're not likely to go back without fierce resistance."
Napoleon's expression remained composed, though a hint of intrigue glimmered in his eyes.
"The people of Saint-Domingue," Toussaint continued his tone firm, "have asked me a favor before I board the ship bound for France. They've implored for their freedom. And when they say freedom, they mean the complete abolition of slavery, Your Excellency. And I believe that you will grant that. Because in the colonies that you have established in Africa and the Middle East, you abolished slavery."
Napoleon let out a sigh after hearing that. The reason why he was asking those questions is to see his conviction and determination firsthand. And judging from his facial expression when he was speaking to him, it all felt genuine.
"Well Louverture, you are in luck because I will grant you what you want. You want autonomy, fine, we will give it to you. You want to abolish slavery? That's fine too."
Hearing Napoleon's response, Toussaint's eyes widened in a mix of surprise and cautious hope. Was the First Consul serious? Is it supposed to be that easy?
"Your Excellency, you mean your words well, right? You are going to ensure that these promises are fulfilled?" Toussaint said skeptically.
"I mean it, Louverture. To be honest, the colony of Saint-Domingue's value plummeted when the revolution broke out. Plantation fields became the main targets for destruction, and the economy suffered immensely. But when the Kingdom of Spain ceded the territory of Louisiana to us, Saint-Domingue value skyrocketed for the Republic of France. We don't want to make an enemy of the people of Saint-Domingue, in fact, we need their help to establish rule in the territory we gained in the North American continent."
"So like, you want to use Saint-Domingue as a staging point to expand your influence in the Americas?" Toussaint interjected.
Napoleon's lips curved into a wry smile. "You have a keen mind, Louverture. Yes, that's part of the plan. I plan on sending troops to the Americas to assert our control over the Louisiana territory. The generals standing behind me—Dumas, Leclerc, and Desaix—will play significant roles in these endeavors. And Saint-Domingue will become their base of operations. Not only that, I'm planning on elevating Saint-Domingue's status as a dominion of the French Republic."
"A dominion…you say?"
"A dominion is a bit different from a traditional colony. It grants a greater degree of self-governance while maintaining a strong tie to the central government. Saint-Domingue will have its own local administration and a degree of legislative power. This will ensure that your people have a say in the matters that affect them directly. Basically, this is what you asked for right?"
"That is right, Your Excellency," Toussaint confirmed.
"So that's it, as the First Consul of the French Republic, I will make sure it will happen."
"Thank you…Your Excellency, this means a lot to me," Toussaint replied with sincerity, his guarded skepticism giving way to cautious optimism. "Your Excellency, if I may ask, why do you abolish slavery in the colonies that you established?"
"It's simple, the principles of the French Republic uphold liberty, equality, and fraternity," Napoleon replied. "Slavery contradicts these principles, and it's a stain on the ideals we stand for. Besides, economically speaking, slaves are just too primitive. I'm sure that you have seen the progress of industrialization Paris is going under. We don't need slaves to do things for us, we have machines and technology that can accomplish tasks more efficiently, and the best thing is, they don't revolt."
"Ah…I have been planning on introducing the technology that I have seen in Paris to Port-au-Prince. I believe that technology and machines can help stimulate growth in the territory."
"That I believe," Napoleon said. "So, let's finish this discussion of ours by signing a formal agreement. We'll outline the terms of Saint-Domingue's new status as a dominion and the abolition of slavery."
Napoleon gestured to a nearby table where a stack of papers and pens were arranged. "Shall we, then?"
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