How did French imperialism compare with British in partition methods?

French imperialism differed from British in partition methods, with the French favouring direct rule and the British indirect rule.

French imperialism was characterised by a system of direct rule. This meant that the French government had direct control over their colonies, with French officials administering the territories and making key decisions. The French aimed to assimilate the colonised people into French culture and society, promoting French language, law, and customs. This was evident in colonies such as Algeria, where the French government attempted to make the colony an extension of France itself. The French also implemented a policy of 'civilising mission', believing it was their duty to bring French civilisation to those they considered less developed.

On the other hand, British imperialism was characterised by a system of indirect rule. The British government would rule their colonies through local leaders who were made to be responsible to the British governor. This system allowed the British to control large territories with relatively few British officials. The British also aimed to respect and preserve local customs and institutions as long as they did not interfere with British interests. This was evident in colonies such as India, where the British maintained the existing system of local rulers, known as the princely states.

The partition methods of the French and British also differed in terms of economic exploitation. The French often used their colonies for the benefit of the French economy, extracting resources and establishing plantations. The British, however, were more interested in using their colonies as markets for British goods and as sources of cheap labour.

In terms of education, the French aimed to educate the colonised people in French language and culture, with the goal of creating 'Frenchmen' out of the colonised people. The British, however, did not have a uniform policy on education. In some colonies, they established schools and promoted English language and culture, while in others, they left education in the hands of missionaries or local leaders.

Overall, while both the French and British sought to control and exploit their colonies, their methods of partition and rule differed significantly. The French favoured direct rule and cultural assimilation, while the British favoured indirect rule and economic exploitation.