Why was Haiti so important to the French Empire?

Haiti, formerly known as Saint-Domingue, was crucial to the French Empire in the 18th century due to its wealth generated from sugar and coffee plantations, making it one of the richest colonies. The economic prosperity of Haiti significantly contributed to France's overall economy and funded its military and colonial ambitions. Additionally, the colony was a key player in the transatlantic slave trade, providing a vast labor force for its plantations. The loss of Haiti following the Haitian Revolution in 1804 marked a significant blow to France's colonial power and economic interests.