Assimilation
OBJECTIVE
Explain why the French-colonised Caribbean territories have not yet achieved independence.
The French Caribbean took another alternative to independence. In 1946, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyana became overseas departments of France. Prefects replaced the governors in each territory who, because of the distance from Paris, held more power than their metropolitan counterparts did. They were to receive the same rights and benefits as the 90 departements in France itself. The prefects had specific responsibilities, such as sanitation, road and bridge maintenance, healthcare and education. In the Caribbean departments, the prefects had extra powers, such as control of the armed forces.
The persons in the overseas departments were given many rights, as they could elect deputies to sit in the French Assembly and senate. This meant they were directly represented and they could lobby for laws/policies beneficial to persons living in the overseas departments. They also elected local general councils which were given increased powers in the 1960s. From 1960, French laws intended to apply to the overseas departments had first to be sent to their councils for consideration. At the same time, the councils were given the right to put their own proposals for laws to the central government in Paris. Overseas councils were also given wider control over the spending of government investment funds.
Prior to assimilation, these islands had a governor and a general council. The governor represented the interest of France, and the council represented the interest of the locals. Under departmental status, the governor was replaced by a prefect. The general council was retained, but it was powerless as key sectors that were previously under its portfolio (for example, finance) were removed.
OPPOSING FACTIONS
With the creation of overseas departments in 1946, many political parties were formed to fight for seats in the general councils and the assembly in Paris. On the one hand, some groups were in favour of departmentalization as they had no problems with rule from France. The Whites and Coloureds were most in favour of this. On the other hand, some persons wished for self-government or autonomy. They felt that France had too much control over the territories and they were not developing a local identity. The system allowed only for French values and, in reality, they were Caribbean people. Many accepted assimilation by 1946, however, as the territories were experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the decline in sugar prices – being a department of France, they would not have assumed financial autonomy. As a consequence, they received subsidies and aid from France.
The Second World War served as another impetus for the territories to accept assimilation as, during the war, the colonies were cut off from France. The council assumed greater autonomy in the running of the affairs of the colonies.
BENEFITS OF ASSIMILATION
Assimilation did provide benefits for people living in these colonies. This was reflected in many of the social programmes undertaken by the French. Some benefits the colonists experienced are that:
1) Funds from the French Treasury were sent directly to the colonies. The funds were used to improve roads, health services and schools. Enrolment catapulted once the French started putting funds into the system.
2) Funds were also used to start massive housing programmes for middle- and lower-income families.
3) The government also bought unused land to redistribute to families that were landless. For example, in Guadeloupe, 5,000 hectares were subdivided into farms for 1,193 families.
4) Products produced in the overseas department could enter European countries at very low duties. This would be as if they were produced in France itself. This showed that France was able to secure preferential duties for its colonies.
5) A lot of money was also injected into the tourism industry and seaports so that trade could develop.
6) The greatest benefit of assimilation was that person in the overseas department had representatives in the general council or National Assembly in France. This allowed them to feel they had a say in the political life of the country.
7) Citizens were entitled to social security payments in conditions of illness and unemployment.
PROBLEMS WITH ASSIMILATION
Though there was satisfaction with elements of assimilation, there were challenges with the system. The issues included:
1) Seasonal unemployment – primarily due to the tourist trade.
2) Low wages.
3) Little exploitation of the natural resources in the colonies. For example, French Guiana did not make much use of its bauxite reserves.
4) Growing discontent with the council.
The structure of departmentalization was modified in 1954 with the following changes. There were changes with political administration, economic policies and social policies. Specific bodies were created to deal with the overseas departments, and power was redistributed to allow a greater level of local involvement in decision-making.
In France in 1958, a secretary general was created and he was given the responsibility of administering the overseas department. The secretary general was assisted by an interministerial committee of the overseas departments. In 1960, the powers of the prefect and the council were also increased. Thus, there was a greater input from individuals more knowledgeable in local affairs.
In 1961, there was the passing of the agrarian law; in 1963, the equalisation of family allowance; and in 1965, the equalisation of wages with those earned in France. Thus, some attempt was made to make living standards in the departments more in line with that of France. The results created social and economic growth, but the unemployment and underemployment figures remained high. Dependence on France continued with the economy of the departments becoming increasingly tied to France.