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Events on Thursday 27 April 1848 2
1848Abolition of SlaveryDecree of 1848The Second Republic officially abolished slavery in all French colonies.
1848Slavery abolished in the French coloniesDecree drafted by Victor SchœlcherThe provisional government of the Second Republic decreed the abolition of slavery in all French colonies on 27 April. About 250,000 enslaved people were freed in places such as Martinique, Guadeloupe and Réunion. Slave owners received compensation and the freed people did not.