Theory question 107
Colonial AdministrationSection B: Political and Constitutional Development in West Africa and International Relations
(a) Why was the policy of Association introduced in French West Africa?
(b) Describe the characteristics of the policy.
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(a) Assimilation failed: Africans resisted losing their culture; it was too expensive to educate everyone; few Africans qualified as citizens; France feared that millions of African citizens would outnumber the French in parliament; colonies were too large; African culture and Islam were strong; association promised more economic benefit to France.
(b) Africans kept their culture and customs but were ruled as subjects; administration was centralised under the Governor-General (Dakar) with chiefs as mere agents of French officials; the indigénat (summary punishment) and forced labour; colonies run mainly for the economic benefit of France; only a small élite of assimilated citizens with French rights; little political participation for subjects.
Answer both parts.