Toussaint L'Ouverture led the Haitian Revolution that resulted in Haiti becoming the first black republic in the world. Born into slavery in 1743, L'Ouverture became a key leader in the fight for freedom against French colonial rule in Saint-Domingue. His military and political acumen enabled him to unite various factions and ultimately abolish slavery on the island in 1801. Under his leadership, a former enslaved population successfully overthrew colonial power, leading to Haiti's declaration of independence in 1804. L'Ouverture's leadership symbolized a significant moment in the struggle for equality and human rights, inspiring other movements for freedom across the globe.