The French-Written Literature of West Africa

Abstract

The consequences of the French assimilationist policies have been very strongly felt in former French West Africa. In educating Africans, the French were consistent in suppressing everything that could recall the famous African past. On the other hand, they tried to bring the black educated élite closer to French culture. Thus, the Africans were to have coalesced with the inhabitants of France, differing from them only in their colour of skin and in the fact that they lived in the overseas territories. This policy in the sphere of culture undoubtedly led to an easier domination of the colonies and to a strengthened attachment to the “mother country” on the part of the Africans under its domination.