We have to bring in a bit of French history here..
1. Slavery was first abolished in France in 1794, then definitively abolished in 1848.
On 4 February 1794, the First Republic (Convention) voted for the abolition of slavery in all French colonies. The abolition decree stated that "the Convention declares the slavery of the Blacks abolished in all the colonies; consequently, all men, irrespective of colour, living in the colonies are French citizens and will enjoy all the rights provided by the Constitution."
Restored by the Consulate in 1802, slavery was definitively abolished in 1848 by the Second Republic, on Victor Schoelcher?s initiative.
France and the abolition of slavery: slavery was first abolished in France in 1794, then definitively abolished in 1848 - France in the United Kingdom - La France au Royaume-Uni
So during the time that the Island was under French rule, slavery was abolished then reinstated. This is why Toussaint was legally welcomed and recognized as a legitamate leader, because he was a FREE man under Republican France. But under Napolean, slavery had already been reestablished in Martinique. There was no overt mention of Napolean's intentions to reestablish slavery in SAN DOMINGUE as Haiti was called.. but the decree by Ferrand made the Emperor's intention's clear.
1. Slavery was first abolished in France in 1794, then definitively abolished in 1848.
On 4 February 1794, the First Republic (Convention) voted for the abolition of slavery in all French colonies. The abolition decree stated that "the Convention declares the slavery of the Blacks abolished in all the colonies; consequently, all men, irrespective of colour, living in the colonies are French citizens and will enjoy all the rights provided by the Constitution."
Restored by the Consulate in 1802, slavery was definitively abolished in 1848 by the Second Republic, on Victor Schoelcher?s initiative.
France and the abolition of slavery: slavery was first abolished in France in 1794, then definitively abolished in 1848 - France in the United Kingdom - La France au Royaume-Uni
So during the time that the Island was under French rule, slavery was abolished then reinstated. This is why Toussaint was legally welcomed and recognized as a legitamate leader, because he was a FREE man under Republican France. But under Napolean, slavery had already been reestablished in Martinique. There was no overt mention of Napolean's intentions to reestablish slavery in SAN DOMINGUE as Haiti was called.. but the decree by Ferrand made the Emperor's intention's clear.