# Slavery abolished in French colonies (1848)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1848-slavery-abolished-in-french-colonies
Location: French colonies

The Second Republic permanently abolished slavery in the French colonial empire. Within the broader Restoration, July Monarchy & Second Republic period, Post-Napoleonic France alternated between restored monarchy, constitutional reform and revolution. Industrialization, colonial expansion and new social movements culminated in the democratic upheaval of 1848. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Provisional Government of 1848 (Collective executive). Slavery abolished 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 abolished in French colonies mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated.

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

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