The grave effect of the French Colonial Policy of Assimilation in her West African Colonies was the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the grave (serious) negative effect of France's Policy of Assimilation in its West African colonies.

Step 2: Explain the concept Assimilation was the French policy of turning Africans into "Frenchmen" by teaching them French language, culture, and values. Only those who became "civilized" (the évolués) could become French citizens with political rights. Key features:

• Africans were treated as part of "Greater France", not as separate peoples with their own political systems.
• Very few Africans qualified for citizenship (in Senegal, only the Four Communes: Dakar, Saint-Louis, Gorée, and Rufisque, had real representation).
• Africans' own institutions and traditions were downplayed.
• Political decisions were centralized in Paris.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Aggressive development of nationalism: Not correct. Assimilation actually slowed nationalism, because educated Africans were encouraged to identify with France. Nationalism in French territories was generally less aggressive than in British ones.
• B. Shortfall in the essential needs of the colonies: This relates to economic exploitation or neglect, not the specific political effect of assimilation.
• C. Slow pace in their political fortunes: Correct. Since political participation was reserved for the few who were assimilated, and the colonies were governed directly from Paris, local political development and self-government advanced slowly. Independence demands came later and more gradually (until the 1946-1958 reforms and the 1958 referendum).
• D. Waging war on neighbouring colonial territories: Not related to the assimilation policy.

Step 4: Answer The grave effect was the slow pace in their political fortunes, which is option C.

Tip: Link policies to their effects:

• Assimilation → centralized control, few citizens, slow political progress.
• Indirect Rule (British) → use of local chiefs, faster growth of nationalism among the educated elite.

Remember: "French = Paris decides = slow political growth."