Abolition of Slavery in Réunion (1848–1864)

Slavery in Réunion was abolished on 20 December 1848, following the proclamation by Commissioner Sarda Garriga. This event marked the end of colonial servitude on the island, which had previously resisted abolition efforts. The transition led to a contract labor system known as engagés, lasting until 1864.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Before the 17th century, Réunion was uninhabited. Known as Île Bourbon, it was renamed La Réunion in March 1848 following the fall of the July monarchy. Earlier attempts to abolish slavery in 1794 and 1796 failed due to local pro-slavery resistance. The Second Republic established in 1848 finally enforced abolition.

Proclamation. On 9 June 1848, Governor Joseph Graëb announced the French Republic in Saint-Denis. On 18 October 1848, Commissioner Joseph Napoléon Sébastien Sarda Garriga, sent from Paris, announced the abolition of slavery in Saint-Denis. The decree was effective on 20 December 1848, a date celebrated annually as Réunion Freedom Day.

Aftermath. Following the abolition, slavery was replaced by a system of contract labor known as engagés. This system persisted from 1848 until 1864. The date of abolition, 20 December, remains an official holiday in Réunion, commemorating the end of servitude and the proclamation by the Second Republic.

People involved

Sources

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