Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

2. Military Leader

Episode 2 of 5

Toussaint develops strong skills as a military commander, and is for the first time likened to Spartacus. Read by Adrian Lester.

Following the 1791 Saint Domingue uprising, Toussaint Louverture shows himself to be a highly focussed military leader.

He's not afraid either to discipline his troops or to take part in fierce battle. Yet he's also a man of great compassion in line with his Christian faith.

On 1 April 1796, the Republican French governor Étienne Laveaux organised a grand ceremony to mark Toussaint Louverture becoming his deputy.

Toussaint was saluted as ‘the saviour of legitimate authority’, and for the first time publicly likened to Spartacus.

Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Abridged by Libby Spurrier

Read by Adrian Lester

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

14 minutes

Last on

Wed 2 Apr 202503:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

1. Early Life

Next

3. Authority

See all episodes from Black Spartacus by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Broadcasts

  • Tue 17 Nov 202009:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Wed 18 Nov 202000:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 1 Apr 202508:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 1 Apr 202513:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 1 Apr 202519:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 2 Apr 202503:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra