French Colonialism in Africa

Algeria, 1830

French prestige

Proponents v. anti-expansionists

• Proponents of French colonization in Africa believed that France could increase her perceived power in Europe by increasing French presence and authority abroad

• Anti-expansionist French believed that the money, time and effort being spent on colonization would be better utilized protecting and entrenching French interests in Europe

"mission civilisatrice"

rayonnement

assimilation

World War I:usefulness of colonies