Saint-Domingue was a French colony located on the western part of the island of Hispaniola, which is now known as Haiti. Established in the 17th century, it became one of the richest colonies in the world due to its production of sugar and coffee, relying heavily on enslaved labor from Africa. The colony's wealth attracted many European settlers and traders, making it a bustling center of commerce. However, the harsh conditions and brutal treatment of enslaved people led to a significant uprising. In 1791, the enslaved population revolted, eventually leading to the Haitian Revolution and the establishment of Haiti as the first independent Black republic in 1804. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of slavery, colonialism, and human rights.