# Slavery restored in French colonies (1802)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1802-slavery-restored-in-french-colonies
Location: French colonies

Napoleon reversed the Convention’s abolition in territories where France regained control. Within the broader Consulate & Napoleonic Empire period, Napoleon consolidated many revolutionary reforms while concentrating power, building an empire and waging continental war. French institutions and armies reshaped Europe before military defeat restored the Bourbons. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Napoleon Bonaparte (First Consul). Slavery restored in French colonies mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Slavery restored in French colonies mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated.

Ruler at the time: [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://history-france.com/rulers/napoleon-bonaparte)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Slavery restored in French colonies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Slavery+restored+in+French+colonies&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Slavery restored in French colonies](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Slavery+restored+in+French+colonies)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)