How did the american and french revolutions affect enslaved people in haiti? responses haitians believed they could defeat the british if the americans did. haitians believed they could defeat the british if the americans did. haitians were encouraged to declare their right to self-rule. haitians were encouraged to declare their right to self-rule. haitians saw that americans were able to get equality for all people. haitians saw that americans were able to get equality for all people. haitians realized that they could win independence without using violence.