Siege of Cap-Français
Haitian Revolution · Cap-Français, Saint-Domingue (Haiti)
Summary
The Siege of Cap-Français was a long siege that progressively weakened French forces in their main bastion in Saint-Domingue. Haitian resistance, combined with harsh conditions, led to final surrender after the Battle of Vertières.
Historical context
From May to November 1803, the siege of Cap-Français formed part of the collapse of Rochambeau's Saint-Domingue expedition, after Leclerc's death and the general resumption of the Haitian uprising.
Tactics
Dessalines besieged Cap-Français and attacked Fort Vertières; the French, decimated by yellow fever and combat, could no longer hold the colony's main city.
Consequences
French defeat at Vertières on 18 November 1803 and Rochambeau's capitulation the next day ended French rule; Haitian independence was proclaimed on 1 January 1804.