> The debt wasn't really for recognition, it was to even be able to participate in the world economy. The two went hand in hand. Haiti wasn't recognised as ind

> The debt wasn't really for recognition, it was to even be able to participate in the world economy. The two went hand in hand. Haiti wasn't recognised as independent but as a colony in rebellion, and thus embargoed by anyone of relevance (because they all had their own slaves and colonies and were afraid for their future). The French recognition paved the way for further worldwide recognition and thus normalisation of trade relations. But yes, the French drastically misplayed their hand. Even Napoleon himself later admitted he should have used Toussaint Louverture and his troops against Jamaica and similar instead of wasting 60k soldiers to mosquitos trying to force the unenforceable.