The abolition of slavery and the struggles for freedom in Guadeloupe

Sector and location of sites related to the memory of slavery abolition

The memorial sites related to the abolition of slavery in Guadeloupe are concentrated around emblematic locations such as the Mémorial ACTe in Pointe‑à‑Pitre, the Forteresse Delgrès in Basse‑Terre, and Habitation La Grivelière in Vieux‑Habitants.

The slave system in Guadeloupe

Slavery in Guadeloupe, established by French colonists in the 17th century, deeply marked the island’s history and society. From the 1670s onward, thousands of West Africans were deported to serve as labor in sugar‑cane, coffee, and cotton plantations, becoming the ancestors of the majority of today’s population. The Code Noir, decreed in 1685, regulated the status of enslaved people and the relationships between masters and enslaved, legitimizing an oppressive and inhuman system. In 1794, an initial abolition of slavery was decreed by the French National Convention, but this measure was revoked in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, restoring slavery. It was only in 1848 that the definitive abolition of slavery was proclaimed, freeing about 87,000 people in Guadeloupe. This long period of bondage has left indelible traces in Guadeloupean culture, economy and social structures, influencing the island’s collective memory and societal dynamics even today.

The different plantations in Guadeloupe

During the slavery period in Guadeloupe, the colonial economy relied on various plantations, each playing a specific role in the agricultural and commercial system of the island.

Sugar‑cane plantations

Sugarcane was the dominant crop in Guadeloupe, forming the backbone of the colonial economy. The vast plantations, called “habitaciones sucrières,” included cane fields, mills to crush the cane, and sugarworks to transform the juice into sugar. This plantation model required a large workforce, supplied by African slaves subject to extremely harsh working conditions. Sugar production was intended for export to Europe, fueling the triangular trade and enriching the colonists.

The sugar industry in Guadeloupe played a central role in the island’s economy and history since its introduction by French colonists in the 17th century. Initially cultivated on a small scale, sugarcane quickly became the dominant crop owing to strong demand for sugar in Europe. Cane plantations, called habitations, were organized around intensive production needing abundant labor supplied by the slave trade. During the colonial era, the sugar industry rested on a brutal system where enslaved people worked under inhuman conditions in the fields, mills, and sugarworks.

After the abolition of slavery in 1848, the industry underwent major transformations. To compensate for labor shortages, contracted workers, mainly from India, were recruited between 1854 and 1888. These “engagés” continued to work in plantations, though under difficult conditions. In the 20th century, the sugar industry was modernized with the introduction of new techniques and the industrialization of sugarworks. Small family sugar mills gradually disappeared in favor of large complexes, such as the Gardel factory, which is still in operation.

However, the sugar industry declined over time due to international competition, high production costs, and agricultural diversification. Despite this downturn, sugarcane remains a powerful historical symbol in Guadeloupe and a pillar of its heritage, notably through the production of agricultural rum, which still today gives value to this emblematic crop.

Coffee plantations

Introduced in the 18th century, the coffee culture spread rapidly in Guadeloupe, especially in mountainous zones favorable to its growth. The coffee plantations, though less extensive than those of sugarcane, played a significant role in the colonial economy. Enslaved people worked under harsh conditions, harvesting and processing the beans for export. This production helped diversify the colonists’ incomes and met the increasing demand for coffee in Europe.

Cotton plantations

Cotton was also cultivated in Guadeloupe, though less intensively than sugarcane or coffee. Cotton plantations supplied raw material for the European textile industry. Enslaved people were responsible for cultivating, harvesting, and cleaning the cotton fibers — tasks requiring a large labor force. Although more secondary, this production contributed to the colonial economy and the transatlantic trade.

Other plantations

Beyond sugarcane, coffee, and cotton, Guadeloupe hosted plantations of indigo, tobacco, and cacao. Indigo was used for dye production, while tobacco and cacao were prized in Europe. These crops diversified the colonial economy and increased reliance on enslaved African labor essential to their exploitation.

All of these plantations formed a complex economic system based on the exploitation of African enslaved people. Each type of crop contributed to the enrichment of colonists and the development of transatlantic trade, while perpetuating an inhuman system of oppression and servitude.

Abolition of 1794 and reinstatement in 1802

• In 1794, under the French Revolution, the First Republic abolished slavery in the colonies, including Guadeloupe. However, this abolition was short‑lived.

• In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte reinstated slavery in the colonies, triggering massive uprisings, notably that led by Louis Delgrès and his companions in Basse‑Terre. Their resistance, though heroic, ended tragically with their sacrifice at Matouba.

Definitive abolition of 1848

The fight for definitive abolition was marked by resistance movements of enslaved people themselves and by abolitionist actions in France, such as Victor Schoelcher. On April 27, 1848, an official decree ended slavery in all French colonies. In Guadeloupe, the abolition was proclaimed on May 27, 1848 by Governor Jean‑François Layrle, making this date a historic moment celebrated every year.

Peculiarities and anecdotes

• The role of Victor Schoelcher : This ardent abolitionist drafted the texts of the abolition decree, pushing for France to recognize the rights of the enslaved.
• The sacrifice of Louis Delgrès : His final act of resistance is symbolic of the struggle for freedom in Guadeloupe. His cry “Vivre libre ou mourir” has remained etched in history.
• The celebrations of May 27 : Each year, ceremonies, concerts, and events commemorate the abolition of slavery.

Places with remains or monuments to visit

Mémorial ACTe (Pointe‑à‑Pitre)

This Caribbean center for expression and memory of the slave trade and slavery is an essential site. Through interactive exhibits and historical archives, it pays tribute to the victims of slavery and explores its legacy.

Forteresse Delgrès (Basse‑Terre)

This memorial site honors Louis Delgrès and the fighters of 1802. Exhibits on resistance and guided tours help better understand this historical episode.

Habitation La Grivelière (Vieux‑Habitants)

This former coffee plantation offers a dive into the history of the colonial economy and slavery‑related exploitation. Today it is a living museum that portrays daily life on a plantation.

Why visit these sites ?

These sites are essential to understanding Guadeloupe’s history, the struggles for freedom, and the enduring impact of slavery on Guadeloupean society.

Accessibility for people with disabilities

• Mémorial ACTe : Fully accessible, with elevators and ramps for wheelchair users.
• Fort Delgrès : Some parts of the site are accessible, but the ramparts require assistance.
• Habitation La Grivelière : Access is limited due to rugged terrain.

FAQ

Why is May 27 important in Guadeloupe ? May 27 marks the official proclamation of slavery’s abolition in Guadeloupe in 1848. It is a day of commemoration and celebration.

Who was Louis Delgrès ? Louis Delgrès was a Guadeloupean officer and resistor who opposed the reinstatement of slavery in 1802. He became a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

What are today’s impacts of slavery abolition ? The abolition ended the legal exploitation of enslaved people, but its economic and social consequences continue to influence Guadeloupean society.

List of activities to do nearby

• Victory Square (Pointe‑à‑Pitre) : 5 minutes on foot from Mémorial ACTe, a lively historical and cultural place.
• Chutes du Carbet (Capesterre‑Belle‑Eau) : 30 km (50 min by car) from Basse‑Terre, perfect for a natural immersion after a historical visit.
• Marché de Basse‑Terre : 10 km (15 min by car) from Forteresse Delgrès, to discover local products.
• Plage de Grande Anse (Deshaies) : 40 km (1 h by car) from Vieux‑Habitants, ideal for relaxing.