French political philosopher Louis Sala-Molins called the 1685 “Code Noir”: “the most monstrous legal document of modern times”. It regulated the lives of millions of enslaved persons in the French colonies.
Slavery was abolished in France by the revolutionary government on February 4, 1794. The decree stated: “The Convention declares the slavery of the blacks abolished in all the colonies; consequently all men irrespective of color living in the colonies are French citizens and shall enjoy all the rights provided by the Constitution.” Unfortunately, none of the implementing measures were taken, and slavery was reinstated by a decree of July 16, 1802, while Napoleon Bonaparte was First Consul. It was definitively abolished by a decree of April 27, 1848,
Read through the articles of the Code and evaluate the measures you believe to be the most egregious, particularly given that the document was officially drafted to protect the slaves. What are your impressions of how Europeans saw Black people prior to the Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution?
essay?
The 1685 “Code Noir” was a deeply oppressive and dehumanizing document that regulated the lives of enslaved persons in the French colonies. While it was officially drafted to protect the slaves, it actually ended up enforcing and perpetuating their subjugation and exploitation.
One of the most egregious measures of the Code was the provision that allowed slave owners to administer corporal punishment to their slaves, including whipping and branding. This not only normalized violence and abuse against enslaved individuals, but it also stripped them of any sense of bodily autonomy and dignity. The Code also restricted the rights of enslaved persons to marry freely, own property, or participate in any legal proceedings. These restrictions further dehumanized and marginalized the enslaved population, treating them as mere property rather than human beings with inherent rights and dignity.
The Code also reinforced the notion of Black people as inferior and in need of regulation and control by their European colonizers. The language used in the document reflects a paternalistic attitude towards the enslaved population, with a focus on maintaining control and order rather than promoting freedom and equality. This reflects the broader views of Europeans towards Black people prior to the Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution, where notions of racial hierarchy and superiority were deeply ingrained in society.
Overall, the 1685 “Code Noir” serves as a stark reminder of the brutal and inhumane treatment of enslaved individuals in the French colonies, and the systemic racism and discrimination that were prevalent in European societies at the time. It highlights the need for ongoing efforts to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression and discrimination, and to truly recognize and respect the humanity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of race or background.