Abolition of slavery became

possible in France by the following ways :

(i) The slave

trade began in the 18th century. The National Assembly held long

debates about whether the rights of man should be extended to all French

subjects including those in the colonies.

(ii) Convention in 1794 legislated to free all slaves in the French overseas

possessions.

(iii) However, Napoleon reintroduced slavery.

Finally slavery was abolished in 1898.

Possible Answer:

The abolition of slavery in France was a significant achievement of the French Revolution. It was possible due to various social, economic, and political factors. Let's explore them in detail.

Social Factors:

• Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment thinkers challenged the traditional belief that slavery was a natural order. They argued that all humans were equal and had the right to freedom and dignity.

• Public Opinion: The anti-slavery movement gained momentum in France due to the widespread publication of books, newspapers, and pamphlets that highlighted the horrors of slavery. The public was outraged by the inhuman treatment of slaves and demanded their freedom.

Economic Factors:

• Economic Decline: The French economy was in crisis due to wars, famine, and high taxes. The plantation owners in the French colonies were finding it difficult to maintain their profits due to the declining demand for sugar and other crops. This made them more open to the idea of abolition.

• Industrial Revolution: The rise of industrial capitalism created a new demand for wage labor. The plantation owners realized that they could replace their slaves with free workers who would work for wages.

Political Factors:

• Revolutionary Ideals: The French Revolution was based on the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The abolition of slavery was seen as a natural extension of these ideals.

• The National Assembly: The National Assembly of France passed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in 1789, which stated that all men were free and equal. This provided a legal basis for the abolition of slavery.

• The Haitian Revolution: The slave rebellion in Haiti in 1791 inspired the abolitionists in France. The revolution showed that slaves were capable of fighting for their freedom and that slavery was not a stable system.

Conclusion:

The abolition of slavery in France was a complex process that involved social, economic, and political factors. The French Revolution provided the impetus for change, but it was the efforts of the abolitionists that made it possible. The abolition of slavery was a significant achievement that marked the beginning of a new era of human rights and dignity.