How did French and Australian assimilationist policies differ from each other? (2 points)

Question

France created schools to assimilate willing Indigenous peoples, while Australia took children to forcibly assimilat
Indigenous peoples.
France created schools to assimilate willing Indigenous peoples, while Australia took children to forcibly assimilat
Indigenous peoples.
O France and Australia used the same assimilationist policies in every instance.
O France promoted the idea of scientific racism, while Australia rejected it in favor of social Darwinism.

Answer 1

French and Australian assimilationist policies differed in several significant ways:

1. Approach to Assimilation:

   • France focused on creating schools and educational programs aimed at encouraging willing Indigenous peoples to assimilate into French culture. This approach was intended to integrate Indigenous populations through education and cultural exchange.
   • Australia, on the other hand, implemented more coercive measures, including the forcible removal of Indigenous children from their families, a practice known as the Stolen Generations. This involved taking children away to be raised in institutions or with non-Indigenous families, with the goal of erasing their Indigenous identity.

2. Philosophical Underpinnings:

   • French assimilation policies were often based on the idea of cultural integration, where Indigenous peoples could adopt French language and culture while remaining part of the larger societal framework.
   • In contrast, Australian policies tended to be more influenced by social Darwinism, which framed Indigenous peoples as needing to be 'civilized' and integrated due to perceived racial superiority. This often justified harsher and more violent tactics.

In summary, while both countries engaged in assimilationist policies, France's approach was more educational and voluntary, whereas Australia's was characterized by coercion and physical removal of children from their families.