The administrative structure adopted in the French colonial territories was

1. Analyze the question The question asks about the nature of the administrative structure the French used in their colonies (e.g., French West Africa, with its capital first at Saint-Louis and later at Dakar).

2. Concept: French colonial administration The French followed a policy of direct rule based on assimilation and association:

• Power was concentrated in Paris, through the Ministry of Colonies.
• The Governor-General in Dakar controlled the whole federation of French West Africa (AOF).
• Under him were Lieutenant-Governors (territories), then Commandants de Cercle (districts), and so on down the line.
• Orders flowed from the top downward, with little room for local decisions.
• Traditional rulers were treated as junior officials or tax and labour collectors. They were often replaced or removed if they did not cooperate.
• The aim was to turn Africans into "Frenchmen" culturally, not to develop African culture.

This is in contrast to the British indirect rule, which used traditional rulers and institutions.

3. Evaluate the options

• A. More of a centralized administration: Correct. The French system was highly centralized, with authority flowing from Paris to the Governor-General and down to local commandants.
• B. Focused mainly on traditional rulers: This describes the British indirect rule, not the French.
• C. Favourable to the African age grades: The French did not build their system around age-grade institutions.
• D. For the development of African culture: The French policy of assimilation aimed to spread French culture and language, not to develop African culture.

4. Answer The correct option is A: more of a centralized administration.

5. Exam tip Remember it this way:

• French = Centralized = Direct rule = Assimilation
• British = Decentralized = Indirect rule = Use of traditional rulers

If a question mentions traditional rulers as the main agents of administration, think British. If it mentions central control from Paris or Dakar, think French.