French Colonization of Senegal and West Africa from 1830-1900

Introduction

The French colonization of Senegal and other parts of West Africa from 1830 to 1900 had a significant impact on the region's history and development. One of the most controversial aspects of this period was the practice of slavery, which was widespread in Senegal and other parts of West Africa at the time. While the French authorities initially tolerated and even participated in the slave trade, there was growing pressure from anti-slavery activists and the wider international community to abolish the institution of slavery. In 1848, the French government finally abolished slavery in all its colonies, including Senegal. However, the abolition did not immediately end the practice of slavery, and its effects on the region were muted by the continued practices of pillaging, kidnapping, and slavery by the local peoples. In this context, this paper will explore in what ways French actions might have weakened the hold of masters over slaves in neighboring African societies, whether deliberately or inadvertently, during the period of French colonization from 1830 to 1900.

Background

Islam had come to West Africa prior to French colonization, and the aristocracy had become Muslim by and large.[footnoteRef:1] Exacting tributes or pillaging local communities were the main means of survival for many families and tribal communities, whether of the Waalo or the Wolof aristocracy.[footnoteRef:2] In fact, pillaging was such a problem that it prompted Jauriguiberry, Commandant of the Cercle of Dagana, to write a letter to the Governor of Senegal France regarding the arrest of two local thievesAliou Kan, chief of Pendaw, and his brother Amedine Kan.[footnoteRef:3] [1: Trevor Getz, Slavery and Reform in West Africa (Ohio University Press, 2004), 4.] [2: Trevor Getz, Slavery and Reform in West Africa (Ohio University Press, 2004), 4.] [3: ANS 13G-102: 31 (National Archives of Senegal, Dakar, Dossier 13G-102, Correspondence of the Chief of Post of Dagana, 1864-1865, item 31), June 17, 1864), Jauriguiberry, Commandant of the Cercle of Dagana, to the Governor of Senegal.]

France began its colonization of Senegal in the early 19th century, with the establishment of trading posts along the Senegal River. In 1854, the French annexed the kingdom of Waalo and made it part of Senegal, which became a French colony in 1895. Culturally and socially speaking, France had changed from a monarchy to a more egalitarian system of governance. Its ideals stemmed from the Enlightenmentwherein liberty, fraternity, and equality were trumpeted as the main values.

During the period of French colonization in Senegal, the French established several economic activities that facilitated the growth of commerce and trade. One of the most significant industries was agriculture. In addition to agriculture, the French also developed other economic activities such as mining and forestry, which contributed to the growth of the colonial economy. Senegal had several natural resources, including gum arabic, gold, and iron, which the French exploited for export to Europe and other regions. To facilitate trade and commerce, the French sought to establish infrastructure to connect Senegal to other parts of West Africa and beyond. For example, the Dakar-Saint-Louis railroad, which was completed in 1885, connected the Senegalese capital of Dakar to the important trading center of Saint-Louis, which facilitated the transport of goods and people across the country.[footnoteRef:4] [4: Trevor Getz, Slavery and Reform in West Africa (Ohio University Press, 2004), 162.]

The French also established several ports along the Senegal River, including Dakar, which became an important center for trade and commerce. The port of Dakar served as a hub for the export of peanuts, gum arabic, and other products, and it also facilitated the import of goods from Europe and other regions. Suffice to say, the French introduced their language, Western culture, and governance system to Senegal, which had a significant impact on the region's social and political structures. For example, the French introduced the concept of citizenship, which created a new framework for political participation and representation. This had a major effect on the bond between aristocratic families and chiefs, who were appointed by the French.[footnoteRef:5] These were all indirect ways in which the French weakened the hold of masters over slaves: it brought about changes in culture and custom that influenced the region over time. [5: Letter: Governor Valire to Minister, Envoi de la dlibration du Conseil dAdministration pourtant solution de diverses questions relatives la situation de la Colonie, Saint-Louis, August 14, 1870) (CAOM FM SG SEN/I/56)]

Still, the practice of slavery was prevalent in Senegal and other parts of West Africa at the time of French colonization. Slaves were used as laborers and domestic servants, and their status was determined by their ancestry and social position. Although the French abolished slavery in 1848, the practice continued in some areas until the early 20th century.

Turning Point

In terms of slavery, the French abolition of slavery in 1848 was nonetheless an important turning point.[footnoteRef:6] It marked the end of legal slavery in French colonies, including Senegal and other parts of West Africa. However, the decree did not totally end slavery. Article 1 of the decree stated, The populations that may come to settle in our posts other than Saint-Louis will have the right to keep their slaves. None of provisions of the Emancipation Decree apply to these populations.[footnoteRef:7] [6: Emancipation decree of April 17, 1848. Center for Overseas Archives, Aix-en-Provence, France: Ministerial Archives, Geographical Series: Senegal. Indigenous Politics of the Senegal River, 1854-1879.] [7: Emancipation decree of April 17, 1848. Center for Overseas Archives, Aix-en-Provence, France: Ministerial Archives, Geographical Series: Senegal. Indigenous Politics of the Senegal River, 1854-1879.]

The abolition of slavery in Senegal and other Frenh colonies in 1848 was also part of a wider trend of anti-slavery activism and legislation that was taking place in Europe and North America during the 19th century. This...…to rise to positions of power and influence.

However, the Islamic customs remained ingrained in many ways as well. For instance, as Governor Valire reported, in Tooro, Dimar and Waalo, all the non-chiefs say that a badolo [commoner] will not suffer to be commanded by his social equal, but will accept a noble or notable. A prince must command the country. A noble must command a village. Command is the hereditary function of certain families. The right to elect or propose the nomination and destitution of a chief belongs exclusively to the notables of each country or village.[footnoteRef:14] In other words, this sense of hierarchical proceedings was still very much there in 1870 even after two decades following the decree banning slavery. The egalitarianism that had been promoted in the West and in French culture was not celebrated in Islamic culture in Africa. The native people of Waalo and other places insisted on a hierarchical structure: they did not want egalitarianism nor did they respect it, as Governor Valire reported. A commoner would not take orders from another commoner but only from a noblea person of higher social class and standing. That was simply how they were accustomed to living. [14: Letter: Governor Valire to Minister, Envoi de la dlibration du Conseil dAdministration pourtant solution de diverses questions relatives la situation de la Colonie, Saint-Louis, August 14, 1870) (CAOM FM SG SEN/I/56)]

Conclusion

The French colonization of Senegal and other parts of West Africa had a complex and far-reaching impact on the region's social and economic structures, including the practice of slavery. While the abolition of slavery in 1848 marked an important turning point in the region's history, its effects were not immediate, and the institution of slavery persisted in many forms in Senegal and other French colonies. Despite this, it is clear that French actions contributed to the weakening of the hold of masters over slaves in neighboring African societies. One important factor was the legal framework provided by French law and governance structures. The abolition of slavery created a legal basis for slaves to challenge their status and assert their rights, and French authorities were often willing to support these efforts, at least in principle. This created new possibilities for social and economic mobility for former slaves and their descendants, although it should be noted that the legal system was often biased against them and they still faced significant social and economic barriers. Overall, while the impact of French colonization on the practice of slavery in Senegal and other French colonies was complex and multifaceted, it is clear that French actions contributed to the weakening of the hold of masters over slaves in neighboring African societies. While this was not always deliberate, it was an important consequence of the broader social and economic changes that occurred during this period. Today, the legacy of French colonialism and the struggle against…