French Colonization of Senegal and Slavery, 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 local peoples.

In this context, this paper explores the ways in which 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: Slavery and Society in Pre-Colonial and Early Colonial Senegal

Islam had come to West Africa prior to French colonization, and the aristocracy had become largely Muslim.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.² Pillaging was such a persistent problem that it prompted Jauriguiberry, Commandant of the Cercle of Dagana, to write a letter to the Governor of Senegal regarding the arrest of two local men — Aliou Kan, chief of Pendaw, and his brother Amedine Kan.³

France began its colonization of Senegal in the early nineteenth 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 formal French colony in 1895. Culturally and socially, France had transformed from a monarchy to a more egalitarian system of governance, with ideals stemming from the Enlightenment — liberty, fraternity, and equality were championed as its core 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 mining and forestry, which contributed to the growth of the colonial economy. Senegal possessed 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 build infrastructure connecting Senegal to other parts of West Africa and beyond. For example, the Dakar–Saint-Louis railroad, completed in 1885, connected the Senegalese capital of Dakar to the important trading center of Saint-Louis, facilitating the transport of goods and people across the country.⁴

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. 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 thereafter appointed by the French.⁵ These were all indirect ways in which the French weakened the hold of masters over slaves: the changes in culture and custom influenced the region over time.

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 ancestry and social position. Although the French abolished slavery in 1848, the practice continued in some areas until the early twentieth century.

The 1848 Abolition Decree as a Turning Point

In terms of slavery, the French abolition of slavery in 1848 was nonetheless an important turning point.⁶ It marked the end of legal slavery in French colonies, including Senegal and other parts of West Africa. However, the decree did not fully 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 the provisions of the Emancipation Decree apply to these populations."⁷

The abolition of slavery in Senegal and other French colonies in 1848 was also part of a wider trend of anti-slavery activism and legislation taking place in Europe and North America during the nineteenth century. This trend was driven by a growing awareness of the inhumane treatment of slaves and the moral imperative to end the institution of slavery.

Anti-slavery activism had emerged in Europe and North America in the late eighteenth century, with the formation of abolitionist societies and campaigns to end the transatlantic slave trade. These efforts gained momentum throughout the nineteenth century, as activists and politicians sought to end slavery in all its forms. By the end of the century, the Atlantic Slave Trade would be banned, though even this would be limited in scope.⁸

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 significant social and economic barriers remained.

Overall, while the impact of French colonization on the practice of slavery in Senegal and other French colonies was complex and multifaceted, French actions did contribute to the gradual 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 slavery continues to shape the region's history and development.

Bibliography

ANS (National Archive of Senegal, Dakar), Dossier 13G-103: 84, Correspondence of the Commandant of Dagana to the Governor of Senegal, 1866–1868, item 84, Martin, Commandant of Dagana, to the Governor of Senegal, Dagana, October 11, 1868.

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.

ANS 13G-102: 20 (National Archives of Senegal, Dakar, Dossier 13G-102, Correspondence of the Chief of Post of Dagana, 1864–1865, item 20), March 30, 1864.

ANS 13G-103: 59 (National Archive of Senegal, Dakar, Dossier 13G-103, Correspondence of the Commandant of Dagana to the Governor of Senegal, item 59), Martin, Commandant of Dagana, to Governor, January 14, 1868.

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.

Getz, Trevor. Slavery and Reform in West Africa. Ohio University Press, 2004.

Letter: Governor Valière to Minister, "Envoi de la délibération du Conseil d'Administration portant solution de diverses questions relatives à la situation de la Colonie," Saint-Louis, August 14, 1870 (CAOM FM SG SEN/I/56).