Burn

In 1844, Sir William Walker arrives on the island of Queimada, a Portuguese colony in the Lesser Antilles. His mission, orchestrated by the British Admiralty, is to instigate a rebellion among the enslaved Africans against the Portuguese colonial regime.

Upon his arrival, Walker befriends José Dolores, a charismatic leader among the enslaved people. He successfully persuades Dolores to become the face of the slave uprising by promising support in overthrowing the Portuguese rule.

Walker convinces influential landowners to reject the Portuguese regime, laying the groundwork for a rebellion. He strategizes with Dolores to unite the enslaved population against their oppressors and prepare for the uprising.

The rebellion led by Dolores is a success, leading to the overthrow of the Portuguese governor. Walker orchestrates a nighttime coup, ensuring a swift and decisive transition of power.

With the Portuguese removed, Walker installs a puppet government headed by Teddy Sanchez, a well-meaning but ineffective revolutionary. This new regime is beholden to the Antilles Royal Sugar Company, paving the way for economic exploitation.

Walker persuades José Dolores to recognize the new government and to surrender his weapons, in exchange for the promise of abolishing slavery. This marks a significant shift in power dynamics on the island, although it sets a precarious future.

Having achieved his mission, Walker prepares to leave Queimada for his next assignment in Indochina. His departure signifies a temporary peace, yet the underlying tension remains palpable among the enslaved people and the newly oppressed.

In 1848, José Dolores, disillusioned by the new regime's collaboration with the Antilles Company, leads a second uprising. He aims to expel British influence from Queimada, reigniting the fight for true freedom.

After several years of conflict, in 1854, the Antilles Company convinces the British Admiralty to reinstate Walker in Queimada. His new mission is to suppress the renewed rebellion spearheaded by Dolores and pacify the island's population.

Walker finds President Sanchez uncooperative and orchestrates a coup to remove him from power. Sanchez is executed, and Walker replaces him with a regime that is completely loyal to the interests of the Antilles Company.

Walker guides British forces back to Queimada, where they rapidly suppress the second uprising. The coercive military presence showcases the extent of British involvement and the lengths they will go to maintain control over the island.

During the military campaign, Dolores is captured by British forces. Despite his past camaraderie with Walker, both men are now on opposite sides of a conflict fueled by oppressive interests.

In a moment of guilt and recognition of their shared history, Walker attempts to save Dolores from execution. However, Dolores resolutely declines Walker's help, asserting that true freedom must be fought for, not simply granted.

The government executes José Dolores by hanging, marking a tragic end to his struggle for freedom. His death serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against oppression.

As Walker prepares to leave Queimada, he is confronted by a man who stabs him to death, echoing his first encounter with Dolores. In his final moments, he is haunted by the resentful looks of the island's oppressed people – a testament to his betrayal.