Question

Why did the Code Noir demand harsh punishments for slaves who strike their masters or other French colonists?

a. To protect the rights and safety of slaves.
b. To maintain strict control and discipline among the slave population.
c. To encourage peaceful coexistence and cooperation between slaves and colonists.
d. To promote equal treatment and justice for all residents in the French colonies.

Answer 1

The Code Noir mandated severe punishments for rebellious slaves b. to maintain strict control and discipline among the slave population and deter any actions that could undermine the colonial economic system reliant on slavery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Code Noir demanded harsh punishments for slaves who strike their masters or other French colonists b. to maintain strict control and discipline among the slave population.

The aim of such measures was to preserve the social hierarchy of the colonies and prevent any notions of equality or justice that could lead to a collapse of the economic systems reliant on slavery.

This atmosphere of strict control was particularly heightened during the 18th-century revolutionary era, where insurgencies such as the Haitian Revolution showcased the unrest and desire for freedom among the enslaved. Hence, French colonial rule enforced rigorous discipline to prevent similar rebellions within their territories.