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Direct Rule- (usually the French method)
The imperialist power controlled all levels of
government. A French man or a German would be the head of
the government. Sultans or chieftans in the areas of Africa would
be subservient to the chosen imperial governor (often a military
general then later a person of noble lineage that may have been in
government service). The French assimilated many peoples into
their own society, often giving citizenship much like the Romans did
at their first conquests. This was an easier process because the
peoples in French colonies were required to learn French and
adopt the French educational system and government. Although
many areas resented the change and this caused problems is did
allow for greater integration. It also allowed for greater culture
exchange in that the French often adopted the colonial ways and
the colonist who were granted citizenship often moved to France or
were sent to France to study. There were greater numbers of
marriages between French nationals and colonists than British
nationals and their colonists.
Indirect Rule-(Usually the British method)
The British advisors and a Governor made colonial laws that were almost always in favor of Great Britain but they did allow some local rule. In Africa the Sultans would consult with the Govenor on international and economic issues but often local issues were decided by the area rulers. The British did not wish for these people to become part of their society and kept them very separate. In India the peoples who worked for the British were required to act British but not every allowed into British circles. They were not invited into each others homes partially because of the intolerance of the British to recognize or understand some religious differences or cultural taboos.