高中二年级英语(人教版)下册 Unit 14 Integrating Skills 2

　　THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF FREE BLACK PEOPLE

　　Discovered by Columbus in 1492, the island, or at least the western part of it now known as Haiti, was the scene of some of the most advanced political developments in the Western world in the late eighteenth century. From 1763 to 1791 the island had its Golden Age. As its richest colony, the island contributed more than 40% to the economy of France. Its success rested on the labour of half a million slaves.

　　In 1772, slavery was abolished in England, which started a large public opinion movement. The news soon spread the world over and gave slaves in many countries hope. On the 14th of July, 1789, the citizens of Paris started the French Revolution, but the slaves in the French colonies were disappointed that slavery was not abolished. Coloured people were also angry, because they were not recognised as full citizens. They were still subject to a number of discriminating laws regarding choice of jobs, dress, and where they could sit in public places. So despite the French Revolution, they were not given the same rights as white people.

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