Children of the French Empire: Miscegenation and Colonial Society in French West Africa 1895-1960 (Oxford Historical Monographs)

This book recreates the lives of the children born of relationships between French men and African women from the time France colonized much of West Africa towards the end of the 19th century, until independence in 1960. Set within the context of the history of miscegenation in colonial French West Africa, the study focuses upon the lives and identities of the resulting mixed-race or mÉtis population, and their struggle to overcome the handicaps they faced in a racially divided society. This author has drawn an evaluation of the impact and importance of French racial theories, and offers a critical discussion of colonial policies in such areas as citizenship and education, providing insights into problems of identity in colonial society. This book vividly recreates the lives of the children born of relationships between French men and African women from the time France colonized much of West Africa towards the end of the nineteenth century, until independence in 1960.; Set within the context of the history of miscegenation in colonial French West Africa, the study focuses upon the lives and identities of the resulting mixed-race or metis population, and their struggle to overcome the handicaps they faced in a racially divided society. Owen White has drawn a valuable evaluation of the impact and importance of French racial theo "This book vividly recreates the lives of the children born of relationships between French men and African women from the time France colonized much of West Africa towards the end of the nineteenth century, until independence in 1960." "Set within the context of the history of miscegenation in colonial French West Africa, the study focuses upon the lives and identities of the resulting mixed-race or metis population, and their struggle to overcome the handicaps they faced in a racially divided society."--Jacket
This book vividly recreates the lives and identities of the children born of relationships between French men and African women in colonial French West Africa. It shows how colonial policies and attitudes influenced the lives of this mixed-race population and analyzes their responses to living in a racially divided society. Title Pages Acknowledgements Abbreviations Map of French West Africa and Togo, c.1930 Introduction 1 Miscegenation in French West Africa 2 Abandonment and Intervention 3 Education and Employment 4 Race and Heredity 5 Paternity and the Mother Country 6 MÉtis and the Search for Social Identity Conclusion Primary Sources Index This volume recreates the lives and identities of the children born of relationships between French men and African women in colonial French West Africa. It shows how colonial policies and attitudes influenced this population