Vertières Day Quiz

Haiti • November 18

Vertières Day Quiz

Test your knowledge of the battle that marked the decisive final phase of Haiti’s struggle for independence.

Choose one answer for each question, then select See my score. Every answer includes a brief explanation.

01 On what date was the Battle of Vertières fought?

Correct answer: 18 November 1803. Official Haitian sources identify this date as the Battle of Vertières.

02 Vertières is near which northern Haitian city?

Correct answer: Cap-Haïtien. The historic site is in the north, at the entrance to Cap-Haïtien.

03 Which Haitian leader commanded the liberating forces at Vertières?

Correct answer: Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Haitian government and Cap-Haïtien historical sources identify Dessalines as commander of the liberating forces in this battle.

04 Who commanded the French forces at Vertières?

Correct answer: Donatien de Rochambeau. The battle pitted troops under Rochambeau against those under Dessalines.

05 The victory at Vertières directly cleared the way for which event?

Correct answer: Haiti’s declaration of independence on 1 January 1804. Vertières was the decisive final victory of the independence struggle; Dessalines declared Haiti independent soon afterward.

06 • Challenge Which commander, celebrated for leadership at Vertières, is also known as Capois-La-Mort?

Correct answer: François Capois. François Capois—often called Capois-La-Mort—is remembered as a pivotal Haitian commander at Vertières.

07 • Today In Haiti’s constitution, 18 November is listed as the commemoration of Vertières and what additional observance?

Correct answer: Armed Forces Day. Article 272 of Haiti’s constitution lists 18 November as the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières and Armed Forces Day, making the date an official national observance.