1816 (Sanders’ Argument for Social Stability): In his 1816 address, Prince Sanders highlighted that the “decency of manners” and “industry” currently found i…
1816 (Sanders’ Argument for Social Stability): In his 1816 address, Prince Sanders highlighted that the “decency of manners” and “industry” currently found in Hayti were the fruits of the nation’s early struggles for sovereignty. He argued that the “civilized life” now enjoyed by the Haytian people was a direct result of their leaders’ refusal to submit to French military despotism in 1802. Sanders used the historical letters of Christophe to show the British public that the foundations of the kingdom were built on “sober industry” and “submission to the laws.” The publication aimed to convince the world that the Haytian people were a “well-regulated community” capable of self-governance. By preserving these documents, Sanders sought to link the military bravery of the past with the social progress of the present.