Theory question 107
NationalismHighlight five reasons for the slow rate of nationalism in French speaking West Africa.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Any five:
1. Assimilation: educated Africans saw themselves as Frenchmen.
2. Elite given French citizenship and seats in the French Parliament.
3. Centralised administration from Dakar/Paris left little room for local politics.
4. Harsh rule: forced labour, indigénat, suppression of the press and parties.
5. Close economic ties and dependence on France.
6. Limited Western education outside a few elite.
7. Association policy and French Union/Community (1946, 1958) promised partnership.
8. Fewer African-owned newspapers.
Explanation
Focus on the French colonial policies that held nationalism back.