, Identify and discuss, in your own words, how colonialism on
French subjects happened in the 19th century within the specific
examples covered in your study guide.
Colonialism in the 19th century involved European powers
expanding their control over various regions, often through force
and economic exploitation. For French subjects, this process of
colonialism was characterized by several key elements and
specific examples.
1. Military Conquest and Control: France used military force
to conquer territories, imposing their rule over the local
populations. For example, the French conquest of Algeria in
1830 involved a series of brutal military campaigns against
the indigenous people. The French army used superior
weaponry and tactics to subdue resistance and establish
control.
2. Economic Exploitation: The French colonial administration
exploited the natural resources and labor of the colonized
regions to benefit the French economy. In Algeria, the fertile
lands were taken from local farmers and given to French
settlers, creating a system where the local population was
often relegated to laborers on their own land. The
exploitation extended to other colonies, such as in West
Africa, where resources like rubber, cocoa, and coffee were
extracted under harsh conditions.
3. Cultural Assimilation and Suppression: The French
implemented policies aimed at assimilating the local
population into French culture, often at the expense of
indigenous traditions and languages. The French educational
system was imposed, teaching French language and culture
while discouraging or outright banning local customs and