Question

Give five factors for the failure of assimilation policy in French West Africa.

Answer 1

1. A section of French population objected the idea of assimilation because they regarded Africans as a source of cheap labour.
2. French public saw Africans as posing unnecessary competition with the whites in labour market.
3. It proved expensive to French government (public was unwilling to pay tax to meet colonial infrastructure.
4. Language diversity.
5. French legal system based on diverse customary laws.
6. African chiefs were forced to follow French legal system.
7. Little or no regard for African traditional laws.
8. Administrators were arrogant and corrupt.
9. African elites launched campaigns seeking recognition.