Colonial Policy Practices

United States:

Practiced Civic Nationalism--a true Nation State

         the form of nationalism where the state (the country) derives its political legitimacy* from active participation of its citizens, thus representing the "will of the people"

     *the nation's government is the authority

Belgium:

Practiced Paternalism--created for administrative convenience, with implementation of Brussels policy

        the policy based on the hierarchy of family authority, there is a figurehead for the country (the patriarch) who makes decisions based on the the good of the citizens, or 'for their own good', even if it is contrary to their wants and wishes

Great Britain:

Practiced Indirect Rule--intended to prevent the destruction of indigenous culture, recognized local customs, and only outlawed 'serious' transgressions

        part of the local, traditional, power structure is built into the colonial administration; note that Great Britain did practice direct rule in some locations, such as Burma

France:

Practiced Assimilation--sought to impose French culture on their overseas domain

         the idea was that the colonies would adopt French customs, culture, government, language, and would consider themselves to be French