In 1802, 400 rebels chose a mass suicide over returning to Napoleon's slavery
In a defiant final stand against the restoration of slavery in 1802, Louis Delgrès and 400 followers chose a permanent sacrifice over a life of chains by igniting their own gunpowder stores.
In May 1802, the French officer Louis Delgrès led a fierce resistance against Napoleon's attempt to reinstitute slavery in Guadeloupe. Trapped by French troops at Matouba, Delgrès and 400 rebels realized defeat was certain. Rather than return to a life of bondage, they chose to ignite their gunpowder stores while shouting 'Live free or die!'
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