Napoleon and the Legendary Black General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas

A gripping tale of revolution, race, and empire, complete with sword fights, romance, and betrayal. The life of France’s first Black general, Thomas-Alexandre Dumas (father of the famed novelist Alexandre Dumas), brings us to Alpine ice cliffs and hostile Egyptian deserts, and features everyone from Louis XVI and Robespierre to Napoleon Bonaparte. This historical documentary aims, most of all, to situate Dumas in that contradictory Age of Revolution, wherein the language of inalienable rights gained prominence during the height of an Atlantic slave trade that subjugated people of African descent.

Chapters:
0:00 Prologue
0:39 Chapter I: The Count
5:07 Chapter II: The Soldier
21:48 Chapter III: The Farthest Lands
27:01 Chapter IV: Trapped

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SOURCES

Girard, Philippe R. “Napoleon Bonaparte and the Emancipation Issue in Saint-Domingue, 1799-1803.” French Historical Studies, vol. 32, no. 4, 2009, pp. 587–618., doi:10.1215/00161071-2009-010.

Heuer, Jennifer. “The One-Drop Rule in Reverse? Interracial Marriages in Napoleonic and Restoration France.” Law and History Review, vol. 27, no. 3, 2009, pp. 515–548., doi:10.1017/s0738248000003898.

Reiss, Tom. The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo. Crown Publishers, 2012.

[omaririgoyen]

Reading all comments I am obligated to clarify the following, Thomas Alexandre Dumas was the father of Alexandre Dumas the one who wrote the books The three musketeers, The count of Monte Cristo and The prisoner of the Iron mask. This gentleman also had a son with same name, Alexandre Dumas who was a famous writer too. He wrote The lady of Camellias what was a famous play in theaters in all Europe and USA after, among with other books. And this gentleman had a a Daughter Alexandriette Dumas that wrote too and she a son with name Alexandre Lippman Dumas that won Olympic games in fencing.

[jaylove]

The narration of this story made me feel as though I was living in France during this turbulent time. Moreover, this story even caused my eyes to burn with sadness over Dumas unappreciated life.

[edmanne]

I had no idea the entire saga / tragedy of a French general that seemed more like a Hollywood story than a historical one was all going to come back around to the same Dumas that wrote one of my favorite books. Mind absolutely blown. This was hands-down the best video I’ve ever seen. Completely blown away.

[TheVincentVanGogh]

From a underestimated kid, to being trained by one of the finest swordsman in France and commanding 50, 000 troops we surely went out sad in history. His story needs a movie.

[AO-gedg]

“He indulged in the anesthesia of battle” that my friends is poetry!

[ChristianPauchet]

General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas' biography would make for one the most epic movies to ever grace the big screen. What a human! and his son being the great Alexandre Dumas should not be taken as a mere curiosity, such humans usually create legends.
What a great video. Thank you.

[rdrlyf]

The son Alexander Dumas wrote/created "The Three Musketeers"
"The Man in the Iron Mask"
"The Count of Monte Cristo"
All of which has became wonderful movies.

[Sparky]

“The coalition of tyrants will learn they are loathed equally by men of all colors.”

You’re storytelling is fantastic, this is one of my favorite channels already.

[malligrub]

I'm alway shocked people seeming haven't heard of this legend or realized he essentially WAS the Count of Monte Cristo in the Tarantino-esque fantasy tribute by his son, the legendary writer. Also unbelievable that his life story hasn't been adapted into a sweeping epic by now

[Heater]

"...The vast chasm between grand promises and bleak reality."

Time changes little. Excellent work.

[Puckosar]

This is probably the best documentary i've seen in years. Its crazy how a two man channel can create such incredible quality where high-budget studios consistently fail

[TheCSC]

As a military history buff, I feel almost ashamed I didn’t know about such a legend as Dumas. Thank you so much for this video, it was truly inspired.

[davidbuchanan]

This documentary was absolutely stunning. From the writing, to the subject matter, to the editing, to the score, everything about this production was sublime. As a black man, I truly appreciate you not only making this, but putting so much care into it. You’ve earned a subscription. Thank you!

[kyrianasher]

I remember when the videogame Assassins Creed Unity came out. Upon completion, a classmate had remarked that the story of Dumas would have been the perfect trajectory for a set of stories instead of basing the game's story on one small pocket of the French revolution. One where the protagonist had an affiliation with the man, perhaps even joining his campaign. After this video, I can say that rad lad was right.

[franksinatta]

I am absolutely fucking blown away. This is too good for us...

[somethindarker]

Fun fact, his son went on to become a prolific writer who penned such works as "The Three Muskateer's", "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Man in the Iron Mask".

[FourOf]

Three months' silence and we believed that all was lost

*and then he returned.*

[davidchilver]

Absolutely phenomenal. I went from never having heard of him to being obsessed.

[darryldunmore]

Like so many African American GIs, Thomas-Alexandre Dumas loved a country that didn't love him back. What a tremendous injustice.

[patricechery]

As a Haitian American, this was a truly amazing account of Dumas’ life. This is one of my favorite channels on YouTube.