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In which year is slavery abolished for good in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: In 1848. Slavery is abolished for good in 1848. A first abolition in 1794 was cancelled by Napoleon in 1802. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Le territoire français dans le temps (2/2)” (in French). The other three choices are explained below.
Sources: Sheet “Le territoire français dans le temps (2/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✓ In 1848En 1848Correct answer. Slavery is abolished for good in 1848. A first abolition in 1794 was cancelled by Napoleon in 1802.
- ✗ In 1794En 1794This is the first abolition, but Napoleon brings slavery back in 1802.
- ✗ In 1802En 1802That year Napoleon brings slavery back.
- ✗ In 1815En 1815That year the slave trade is abolished, but not yet slavery itself.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « En quelle année l'esclavage est-il aboli pour toujours en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP). The Ministry's wording: “En quelle année l'esclavage a-t-il été aboli définitivement en France ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Le territoire français dans le temps (2/2)” (French).
All 47 “History, geography and culture” questions on the CSP list
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