Theory question 106
Colonial AdministrationSection B (answer any two questions from this section)
What were the features of the French colonial administration in West Africa?
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Highly centralised direct rule; colonies grouped into French West Africa (AOF) under a Governor-General in Dakar.
Policies of assimilation and later association.
Chiefs were mere agents of French officials and could be appointed or removed at will; traditional institutions were not respected.
French language, culture and education promoted.
Assimilated Africans (citizens) had French rights and some elected deputies to the French parliament.
The indigénat: summary punishment of 'subjects' without trial.
Forced labour and military conscription.
Economic exploitation for France's benefit (cash crops, French monopoly of trade).
Colonies treated as overseas parts of France.
Explain each feature.