how was slavery abolished in france

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Abolition of Slavery in France

Slavery in France was officially abolished on April 27, 1848, by the French government under the leadership of the provisional government's commissioner Victor Schoelcher. The abolition of slavery was a result of decades of resistance movements, political pressure, and economic factors.

Slave Trade and Abolition Movement in France

France was one of the major players in the transatlantic slave trade, with its colonies in the Caribbean and Africa. The first abolitionist movement in France emerged during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, led by figures such as Abbé Grégoire and Olympe de Gouges. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that the momentum for abolition grew significantly.

Pressure from Abolitionist Groups and Political Leaders

Throughout the 19th century, abolitionist groups in France and other European countries campaigned for the end of slavery. The movement gained momentum in the 1830s and 1840s when prominent political figures, such as Victor Schoelcher, joined the cause. Schoelcher was instrumental in lobbying the government to abolish slavery in the French colonies.

Economic Factors

The abolition of slavery was also driven by economic factors. By the mid-19th century, industrialization had begun to change the economic landscape of Europe. The growth of industry meant that there was less demand for slave labor, and free labor became more profitable. The cost of maintaining a slave workforce was high, and the returns were diminishing. This economic reality played a significant role in the decision to abolish slavery.

The Abolition Decree

The decree abolishing slavery in the French colonies was signed on April 27, 1848, by the provisional government's commissioner Victor Schoelcher. The decree declared that 'slavery is abolished in all the colonies and possessions of the French Republic.' It also granted freedom to all slaves and prohibited the use of forced labor. The decree was followed by a period of transition, during which former slaves were given the opportunity to work as free laborers or leave the colonies altogether.

Conclusion

The abolition of slavery in France was a result of a long and complex process that involved political, social, and economic factors. The movement to abolish slavery was driven by the efforts of abolitionist groups, political leaders, and changing economic realities. The abolition decree signed by Victor Schoelcher in 1848 marked the end of a brutal system that had enslaved millions of people in the French colonies.

Answer

It was in 1794 that the Convention passed a law to free all slaves in French overseas possessions. But this lasted only for 10 years because when Napoleon Bonaparte became the emperor of France in 1804, he reintroduced slavery. In 1848, Slavery was finally abolished in French colonies.

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