Henri Christophe was a prominent leader in the Haitian Revolution, which sought to end slavery and establish independence from French colonial rule. Born around 1767 in what is now Haiti, he rose from enslaved origins to become a key military figure, eventually serving under Toussaint Louverture. After the revolution, he declared himself King of Haiti in 1811, establishing a monarchy. As king, Christophe implemented various reforms, including building infrastructure and promoting education. He is known for constructing the impressive Citadelle Laferrière, a symbol of Haitian independence. His reign faced challenges, including economic difficulties and internal dissent, leading to his eventual downfall in 1820.