Question 33
NationalismThe development of nationalist activities was more rapid in British West Africa than in French West Africa because the
- A.French West Africans were not interested in having self-government
- B.French administerative policies did not allow for political agitation
- C.British were no longer interested in governing their acquired territories
- D.British did not have a standing army in West Africa, unlike their French counterparts
- E.British encouraged political agitations in their territories.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B (French administerative policies did not allow for political agitation)
Explanation
French rule was more direct and repressive and treated assimilated elites as Frenchmen, leaving little room for nationalist agitation. British rule allowed more press freedom and political organisation.