The Earthworm and the Eagle

This week we have an exciting opportunity to hear from Dr. Chris Hodson in the History Department. Dr. Hodson is working on a massive book project that covers France and the New World from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. This Tuesday he will be presenting a lecture entitled "The Earthworm and the Eagle: Toussaint Louverture, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the First French Empire", based on the preface to that book, as part of the French and Italian Department Symposium Series.



Everybody knows who Napoleon is, but what about Toussaint Louverture? According to Dr. Hodson, Toussaint Louverture is "globally significantly more important than George Washington". As a former slave he became the political and military leader of the Haitian Revolution, resulting in second New World republic and the first republic ruled by former slaves. He became an exemplar for the abolitionist movement of the 19th century and the godfather of the decolonization that transformed the 20th century. Dr. Hodson will be speaking about the relationship between Toussaint and Napoleon, another remarkable man who likewise left an indelible mark on the world. Where Napoleon was the father of modern imperialism, Toussaint was a model for indigenous resistance to imperialism. Both men left behind legacies that continue to impact the world.



Interested? You really should be. Dr. Hodson will present his lecture Tuesday 19 October at 2 pm in JFSB B037.