How was the french attitude toward it's west African colonies different from the british?

Answer 1

The French attitude toward their West African colonies was largely characterized by a belief in cultural assimilation, aiming to integrate local populations into French culture and citizenship, exemplified by the policy of "assimilation." In contrast, the British approach often emphasized indirect rule, allowing local leaders to maintain power and authority while exerting British control, which resulted in a more segregated society. This fundamental difference led to varying degrees of cultural influence and administrative practices in the respective colonies. Ultimately, the French sought to create a more unified French identity, while the British maintained a degree of separation between colonizers and the colonized.