Nationalist activities were earlier in British than in French West Africa because the

Nationalist activities were earlier in British than in French West Africa because the

Answer Details

Nationalist activities were earlier in British than in French West Africa because the French administrative policies did not allow for political agitation. In contrast to the British colonial policy, which allowed for some level of political participation and gave room for the emergence of educated elites who spearheaded nationalist movements, the French had a more centralized and authoritarian approach to governance. This made it difficult for political opposition to thrive, and hence delayed the emergence of nationalist movements in French West Africa.