The First Slave Republic & The Haitian Revolution

The First Slave Republic & The Haitian Revolution

Author: History Hit & Assassin's Creed January 19, 2026 Duration: 1:04:48

Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry reminds us of an often overlooked turning point in history: the Haitian Revolution, when the slaves of Haiti overthrew their masters and the might of the French, British and Spanish militaries to create their own state. But this remarkable achievement was overshadowed by the American and French Revolutions, and has traditionally been viewed as just a byproduct of those famous rebellions. When did the Haitian Revolution take place? How did the slaves defeat both Napoleon's army and the British Empire? How did pirates influence the course of Haiti's history?


To learn more about what Haiti was like in the 18th century, and the key people and moments of the Haitian Revolution, Matt Lewis is joined by Dr Erica Johnson, author of Philanthropy and Race in the Haitian Revolution, and contributor to the Universities Studying Slavery consortium, a huge research project to uncover and understand the links of US universities’ history with slavery.


Listen to how the American Revolution and French Revolution started with the Battles of Lexington & Concord and the Storming of the Bastille.


Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel.


Hosted by: Matt Lewis

Edited by: Robin McConnell

Produced by: Robin McConnell

Senior Producer: Anne-Marie Luff

Production Manager: Beth Donaldson

Executive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen Bennett


Music:

False Paradise by Olivier Deriviere

The Storm by Olivier Deriviere

Ounsi by Olivier Deriviere


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Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com


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Step into the past and discover how history is woven into the fabric of our most compelling stories. Echoes of History, presented by History Hit and Assassin’s Creed, explores the rich, authentic details that breathe life into the legendary game series. This isn't just a behind-the-scenes look; it's a journey to the source material itself. Each episode unpacks the real events, figures, and settings that inspired iconic game worlds. You'll hear about the political intrigue of Renaissance Florence, the vast trade networks of the ancient Silk Road, the brutal realities of piracy in the Caribbean, and the complex codes of honor in Feudal Japan. The podcast connects these historical dots with clarity and narrative flair, offering context that deepens appreciation for both the games and the eras they depict. It’s for anyone curious about where creative fiction meets documented fact, proving that the most thrilling adventures are often rooted in truth. Tune in to find the history hidden in plain sight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Echoes of History
Podcast Episodes
Life in the Pirate Republic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The Battles of Lexington & Concord [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
Assassin's Creed III gives players a unique chance to take part in the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and to influence the course of history. But why did the shot heard ‘round the world, that started the American Revo…
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Duration: 57:55
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Duration: 45:25
Assassin’s Creed Mirage sheds a rare light on Banu Musa - the Sons of Moses. These genius brothers play a small but crucial role in the game, aiding the player with a wealth of revolutionary gadgets to overcome enemies a…
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Duration: 44:12
In the 16th century world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we meet the samurai as they had to be: soldiers in a world on fire. But today, we’re looking at the samurai as they wanted to be seen. In this special episode, Matt…
The Assassination of Julius Caesar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:41
The Ides of March is the best-known date in the ancient world, thanks to one of the most infamous acts in history: the assassination of Gaius Julius Caesar. Assassin’s Creed Origins portrays Caesar at the peak of his pow…
Deadly Queens of Medieval Baghdad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:26
“Behind every great man is an even greater woman.” During the first century of the Abbasid Caliphate, the caliphs oversaw an Islamic Golden Age. These men expanded territory, science and the arts, leaving a lasting mark…