Question

What was a difference between British and French approaches to colonialism?

A. Britain trained colonies for self-government.
B. Britain expected colonies to become British in culture.
C. France allowed colonies to maintain separate cultures.
D. France felt its role was to protect and guide colonies.

Answer 1

Britain trained colonies for self-governing

France expected that their colonies would always be part of France. They used an approach of assimilation which involved introducing their culture to the colonies. Britain trained their colonies to be self-governing. They were treated as self-governing entities with colonialists to govern them.

Answer 2

The correct answer is A.

Due to the long distance between the colonies and England, the British allowed colonist to set up local governments and tax themselves. They allowed their collonies to self-govern for practical reasons.

On the other hand, French collonies were completely subjected to the French king, and did not posses any form of self-government.