The French colonial empire in 1931
The French colonial Empire was at its height during the inter-war period. The very valiant participation of colonial soldiers in the French armies during World War 1, and the recruitment of thousands of colonial workers, had reinforced the idea that the colonies were useful, and even necessary, if France were to keep its rank as a great political and military power and be able to resist another conflict. The African infantryman, whose image used to feature on Banania cocoa tins, was a popular figure, reflecting the image of the “good black soldier” fighting for France.