Assimilation and Association Policy

Was an administrative system applied by French in her colonies, which aimed at turning or transforming Africans into Frenchmen or citizens. A person who assimilated was called an Assimilator. Assimilators were taught how to behave or think like French people. Assimilation is a term derived from the French word "assimiler" meaning cause to resemble. French introduced assimilation policy to her colonies to spread her culture of superiority all over the world.

1. French revolution of 1789. French applied assimilation policy in her colonies since they said that the French revolution, which occurred in 1789, advocated for equality, fraternity, and freedom to all regardless of race or color.
2. To spread French superiority. Assimilation policy was applied by the French to spread their superiority all over the world since the Africans who assimilated would continue to spread French superiority.
3. To spread French culture and civilization. French applied assimilation policy since they wanted to spread their culture through language and customs.
4. To turn Africans into French citizens. Assimilation was applied to turn Africans to behave like French citizens.
5. To facilitate French exploitation. Assimilation aimed at exploiting Africans smoothly by creating false consciousness among those who assimilated (assimilators) to work for the benefits of the French.
6. Economically cheap. Since assimilators worked and behaved just like French and became passive.

1. There were to be commune representatives in the French national assembly.
2. France was well applied in the territories.
3. The French Africans were considered as a great obstacle for colonial rule.
4. The French administrative structure was more oppressive than that of the British.
5. Africans were allowed to register as French citizens and they could seek election as deputies in Paris.
6. The French administrators were given more judicial powers in the provinces.
7. The French decided not to use African traditional institutions in their administration.

1. It weakened African traditions and Islamic religion in West Africa by introducing Christianity, i.e., Roman Catholic.
2. It destroyed African traditional authorities and leaders since assimilated Africans replaced many traditional leaders.
3. It undermined African culture; African culture was regarded as inferior towards French culture, which was regarded as superior and civilized, for example, French language.
4. Colony was incorporated into the French republic and regarded as an overseas province of France. People in West African still have close relationship with the French people than their fellow African countries.
5. Assimilation policy integrated and allowed Africans to participate in French political matters in Paris. Assimilation policy allowed Africans to participate in France's parliament; for example, Blaise Diagne was elected as deputy in the French parliament.