Shocking Sayings

Brothers and friends, I am Toussaint Louverture; perhaps my name has made itself known to you. I have undertaken vengeance. I want Liberty and Equality to reign in St. Domingue. I am working to make that happen. Unite yourselves to us, brothers and f…

The liberty of blacks could be guaranteed only under an independent black government.

While Louverture can at times be a controversial figure, due to the fact that he enslaved others following his own freedom from bondage, he is nonetheless an important figure in Caribbean and Atlantic history.

I will tear off the epaulets of the officers who do not march; and I will shoot the soldiers who resist. I want work and order.

Do you think that men who have been able to enjoy the blessing of liberty will calmly see it snatched away from them? They have fought to obtain it; they will fight to retain it.

I have taken up arms for the freedom of my color, and I will maintain it as long as I breathe.

My General, you are mistaken in thinking that you can secure the liberty of the blacks by giving them a master. It is for them to choose one.

I will be what I ought to be, and if I am not, I will be nothing.

My sword will never be drawn without reason, nor sheathed without honor.

I had rather be a good citizen in a free country than a king in a nation of slaves.

A liberal-constitutional monarchy was the best hope for stability in the new nations of Spanish America.

I proposed that Peru should be converted into an independent monarchy. The negotiations led to nothing.

Bolívar was in favor of forming a series of republics in the newly independent nations, whereas San Martín preferred the European system of rule and wanted to put monarchies in place.

Here we make Italy or we die.

To arms, then, all of you! All of you to arms! Italy calls you to arms!

I am a republican, but I would serve the Pope if he would free Italy.

The Papacy is a cancer on the breast of Italy.

I profoundly disliked Cavour.

The slave, when he is not a rebel, is an accomplice.

If I am to die, I die. If I am to live, I live. If I am to do good, I do good. If I am to do evil, I do evil. That is my destiny.