Explain the French policies of Assimilation and Association.

Answer Details

The French policies of Assimilation and Association

Assimilation

Assimilation was the earlier French colonial policy which aimed at turning Africans into French men and women in language, culture, laws and thought. Under it, the colonies were regarded as part of France and their people, if suitably educated, could become French citizens.

• French language, culture, laws and customs were imposed on the colonies, and African traditions were suppressed.
• Africans who satisfied certain conditions (the evolues, e.g. in the Four Communes of Senegal) could become French citizens and even elect deputies to the French Parliament in Paris.
• The colonies were administered directly from France as overseas provinces, with a highly centralised system.
• It was based on the assumption of the cultural superiority of France and the equality of all who accepted French civilisation.

Association

Because full assimilation proved too costly, impracticable and resisted by both Africans and the French, it was largely replaced by the policy of Association.

• Under Association, Africans were allowed to retain some of their own institutions, customs and traditions rather than being turned wholly into French people.
• The Africans and the French were regarded as partners, but with France as the senior and dominant partner.
• The mass of Africans remained subjects (not citizens) governed under the harsh indigenat code, while only a few remained citizens.
• It was more flexible and practical than assimilation, though still directed towards serving French interests.

In sum, assimilation sought to make Africans French, while association sought cooperation between the French and Africans under French control.