The French Colonial policies in her West African colonies were different from the British in many ways except in

Analyze the question: The question asks for the one feature that France and Britain had in common in their West African colonies. Everything else in the options is a point of difference.

Concept: The two powers used different colonial systems.

• French policy: Assimilation and direct rule. Africans who became "évolués" could gain French citizenship, and French culture and language were imposed. Colonies were treated as overseas extensions of France.
• British policy: Indirect rule, which governed through local chiefs and institutions. There was no general citizenship for colonial subjects, and cultural assimilation was not a stated goal.

Evaluate each option:

• A. Discriminatory laws: Both used discriminatory laws, but they differed in form. The French had the indigénat code and the British had other racially based restrictions. The question asks what was the same, and this can be argued either way.
• B. Citizenship: This was a clear difference. France offered citizenship to assimilated Africans, such as those in the Four Communes of Senegal, while Britain did not.
• C. Imperialism: Both were imperial powers. They acquired colonies to exploit raw materials, find markets and extend political control. Their motive and basic status were identical, whatever their administrative methods.
• D. Cultural imposition: France pursued this strongly through assimilation. Britain was less aggressive about it under indirect rule, so it is generally treated as a difference.

Answer: Imperialism is the one feature that does not differ. Both powers were colonial powers seeking economic exploitation and political domination. The method of administration is where they differed, not the underlying imperialism.

Exam tip: In "except in" questions, look for the broad, shared feature. Imperialism is the overall system, so it is common to both. Features like citizenship, assimilation and indirect rule are the specific policies that set the two apart.