The French policy of assimilation was based on the assumption that African culture was

The French policy of assimilation was based on the assumption that African culture was inferior. The policy of assimilation was a colonial policy adopted by the French government in the 19th and early 20th centuries, which aimed to turn the colonies into fully-fledged parts of France by replacing traditional African cultures with French language, culture, and values. The French believed that African cultures were backward and in need of "civilizing" through the imposition of French culture. This led to the suppression of African languages, customs, and traditions, and the imposition of French language, dress, and religion. The policy of assimilation was deeply rooted in the belief that French culture was superior to African cultures and that it was the duty of the French to "enlighten" Africans and bring them into the fold of French civilization.