Concept:The French colonial system was based on the policy of assimilation.
It aimed to make colonial subjects adopt French culture and identity.
Explanation:The French believed that Africans could become French by learning the French language and customs.
This contrasted sharply with British indirect rule, which allowed local chiefs to govern their people.
Under assimilation, French law, education, and values were imposed on the colonies.
French officials treated the colonies as extensions of France rather than as separate territories.
A famous example was the Four Communes in Senegal.
People in these communes were granted French citizenship rights.
This policy showed that France wanted to culturally absorb its subjects into the French nation.
Therefore, assimilation underpinned French colonial administration in Africa.
Answer:The correct answer is Option A: assimilation.