Theory question 107
Colonial AdministrationSection B
Compare the features of the British system of Indirect Rule with those of the French policy of Assimilation.
Show the model answer
Indirect Rule ruled through traditional rulers; assimilation largely replaced them with French officials (chiefs as mere agents)
Indirect Rule preserved local customs, language and culture; assimilation tried to make Africans French in language, culture and law
British colonies were administered separately; French colonies were integrated with France (federations of AOF/AEF)
Assimilated Africans became French citizens and could elect deputies to the French parliament; British subjects had no seats in the British parliament
Indirect Rule used native courts and native treasuries; assimilation applied French law (with indigénat for subjects)
Similarities: both aimed at exploiting colonies, both used some Africans as agents, both kept final power with the European officials
Arrange the answer point by point, comparing both systems on each feature.