THE ASSIMILATION POLICY
The word assimilation refers to “become similar”, the policy of assimilation in colonial Africa involved enculturing the Africans into Europeans ways of life. It was a policy preferred mostly by the French, the Portuguese and the Belgians in their colonies.
In the French colonies, the assimilation policy involved changing the natives into French ways of life and incorporated the assimilated natives into French administration as part of the administration team. In the French colonies, they were referred to as the EVOLUES in Belgian Congo “the ASSIMILES” in Portuguese colonies as the ASSIMILADOS.
THE ORIGIN OF ASSIMILATION
In first place, the assimilation policy was initiated in four communes of Senegal. These provinces are Dakar, Saint Louis, Rufisque and Goree. The policy was then spread to other French colonies.
THE CAUSES (REASONS) FOR THE ASSIMILATION POLICY IN FRENCH COLONIES
The French revolution of 1789: In this revolution, the common people rose against the reign of King Louis VI and the royal family in Versailles. Members of the royal family were murdered and revolutionists established the parliamentary government of the people. The revolutionists insisted on the qualities of fraternity, equality and liberty among races. The idea of equality of races had to be soared in the French colonies.
The need of more administrators: The French wanted to increase the number of administrators basing on the fact that the French had about twenty colonies in Africa. This demands a big number of administrators.
To increase the French soldiers’: The French wanted to increase the number of French soldiers (fighters) to be used to handle the international disputes. The assimilation policy led to the increase of number of French fighters.
Overseas provinces: The French considered the colonies as their overseas provinces which ought to be resided by the French citizens hence a need to assimilate the Africans (natives) into French culture rose.
Federation of colonies: France aimed at establishing “French federation of colonies” headed from Dakar Senegal. This made the French to establish uniformity of culture among French colonies, hence assimilation.
Cultural pride: The French were proud of their ways of life (culture) their considered their culture to be supreme above other cultures in Europe. The Africans had to acquire French culture. These contributed to the spread of French ways of life worldwide.
Civilization: According to the French the Africans were civilized to extent of not being able to cope with modern world. They ought to be civilized before involving them in colonial system of life.
African resistances: They wanted to use psychology weapons in winning against the Africans. If the Africans could be assimilated into French citizenship, they would have conceived the spirit of patriotism to their new nation (French) hence suppression of African resistance.
IMPLEMENTATION OF FRENCH ASSIMILATION POLICY
The French implemented the assimilation system through the following mechanism.
Employing French teachers: The colonial government brought teachers from France to teach the natives in their local schools. This gradually brought a good number of natives with French culture. The natives were skilled with the basic intellectual skills such as speaking French, mathematics, writing etc.
Using the evolves: The Africans who become the fast learners in acquiring French culture were in turn used to lead their fellow Africans the French ways of life. The Evolues taught their fellow natives faster than the French teachers.
The use missionary centers: The French missionaries. E.g. the white fathers established many missionary centers. In those centers, the native were converted into Christianity and French civilization. This too facilitated the implementation of assimilation policy.
Political posts: The Evolues were allowed to contest for political posts in various elections. E.g. The post of the member of colonial parliament and others. This attracted many educated natives to venture into French citizenship hoping to become future leaders.
Resident permits: The assimilated Africans were allowed to dwell in all French spheres influence in Africa and in Europe. This promoted the status of evolves above the non-assimilated Africans. Many were attracted into French citizenship.
Official language: French language was uplifted above other languages to be the national language in all French colonies. The government services were offered through French language. The natives had to force themselves into the knowledge of French language so as to be in a position of receiving the basic civil services.
Government favor: The Evolues were respected and favored then other natives e.g. in Tax paying, land alienation, in courts etc. This too attracted other natives into French citizenship.
Filling the citizenship registration form: Finally, the assimilated natives had to fill the French citizenship registration form and granted French citizenship.
CONDITIONS FOR THE NATIVES TO BE ASSIMILATED INTO FRENCH CITIZENSHIP
Ability to speak French.
Willingness of abandoning African culture.
Accepting and respecting French laws.
Willingness in paying taxes.
Filling French citizenship registration form.
Being a member from one of French colonies.
STRUCTURE OF THE FRENCH SYSTEM OF ASSIMILATION AND ADMINISTRATION
|
THE PRESIDENT |
In Paris |
|
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY |
In Paris |
|
MINISTER FOR COLONIES |
In Paris |
|
GOVERNOR GENERAL |
In Dakar Senegal |
|
LIUTENANT COVERNOR |
In each colony |
|
COMMANDANT DE CERCLE |
In each Province |
|
CHIEFS DE SUB DIVISON |
In each District |
|
CHIEFS DE CANTON |
In each Ward |
|
CHIEFS DE VILLAGE |
In each village |
|
THE PEOPLE |
In all French colonies. |
