Chapter 18 · 1946
From colony to department
Since abolition in 1848, the idea of full equality of rights with mainland France had run through the island. It came to fruition on 19 March 1946: Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana ceased to be colonies and became French departments, with all the social rights that came with it.
The fathers of the law
The Réunionese Communist deputies Raymond Vergès and Léon de Lépervanche tabled their bill on 12 February 1946, alongside elected representatives from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana.
19 March 1946
The Constituent National Assembly passed the law unanimously: the four former colonies became French departments.
A demand for equality
The aim was to give Réunion islanders the same social rights as in mainland France: minimum wage, social benefits, education, healthcare.
The story
The law of 19 March 1946 turned the four “old colonies” (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion and French Guiana) into French departments. Raymond Vergès and Léon de Lépervanche were among the co-signatories of the bill on the Réunion side. Departmentalisation brought a profound change in the island's political and social status, with the gradual application of French social legislation and the development of infrastructure.
Photo: Illustration created for the app · Illustration, not an authentic period photograph
Sources (1)
- https://www2.assemblee-nationale.fr/sycomore/fiche/7227