Algerian War of Independence 1954-62

Algeria had become a French colonial possession after a series of military campaigns in the 1830s and 40s.

European colonial country cheap land and job opportunities

In an attempt to make Algeria integral to France, successive French governments attempted to assimilate Algeria culturally and administratively

Indigenous (Native) Muslims remained a majority of the territory's population throughout its history

Assimilation of Algeria grew more and more successful and brought with it more European settlers, Technology, Investment and European illness.

Some natives resisted through... guerilla style attacks on French soldiers and European settlers.

Military Campaigns, European settlement and European illness: all meant that by the 1870s the native population of Algeria was declining and the settler population was increasing.

Muslim Discontent:Economic Inequality aggravated Muslims with the Colonial regime!

When the war broke out!1. 75% of Muslim population was illiterate in Arabic2. Unemployment amongst Algerian Muslims was over 1 million3. Twice this number were underemployed

War How France was affected:World War 1 Occupied Land destroyed & Society directly impacted Victorious Relied heavily on other countriesWorld War 2 Occupied Land Destroyed & Society directly impacted Part of country complied with Nazis Victorious Relied heavily on other countries Declining world powerThe impact on France from these wars was extreme and confusing. On one hand they wanted to move forward and reject the past whilst on the other hand they wanted to recapture their pre-war 19th Century world power status, which had declined.

Algerian War = 1954 End of WW2 = 19459 years between two events

As the defeat of the Nazis was being celebrated in Algeria -Algerian Nationalists demonstrated/rioted and were confronted by European Settlers (Pied Noirs)

When the violence ended 6000 people - Muslim, Pieds Noirs and French soldiers were dead.

This conflict in 1945 established the 3 (sometimes 4) groups, which were involved in the Algerian War in 1954.

1. French Government (Including French Army)2. Pieds Noirs 3. Algerian Nationalists4. At times during the conflict the Army would act as a 4th group forcing its own interests at the expense of the gvt.

ALGERIAN NATIONALIST MOVEMENTSThe FLN (Front de Liberation Nationale) was the nationalist movement, which emerged to fight in the war. There were however other nationalist groups (this is common for nationalist movements) with different goals and methods. (This group emerged from the MTLD and would eventually represent most Nationalist Algerian aspirations) did not act alone, other nationalist groups, such as, UDMA, ULEMA, MTLD

FLN LeadershipAhmed Ben BellaOne of the founders of the FLN. Captured in 1956 travelling to Tunis. Spent most of the War in Prison. Later became Algerias first President. - Deposed in a coup by forces led by Houari Boumedienne.Houari BoumedienneCommander of the military wing (ALN) of the FLN stationed in Tunisia.Later took control of the Independent Algeria in a coup and ruled as president from1965 -1978

The main aspirations of the FLN stemmed from? Poor Economic Conditions for Algerian Arabs Income differentials Inaccessibility of landownershipExternal Influences played a role in the timing of war in Algeria in 1954 Mao had taken control of China in 1949 In 1952 Mao fought the USA to a standstill in Korea

These examples provided evidence that anything could be possible!!!

The French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu and their withdrawal from Indochina appears to have presented an opportunity for Algerian Nationalists Although there had been Guerrilla violence by the FLN in Algeria this increased dramatically after the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu

How similar/different was Dien Bien Phu and Algeria

1. Whilst the Viet Minh were ideologically motivated (communist) the FLN had no ideological motivation.2. The Viet Minh enjoyed support from China, the FLN had no such support3. Indochina remote geographically from France - Algeria is very close4. French law prohibited use of conscripts in Indochina there were none of these restrictions in Algeria

On 1st November 1954 the FLN conducted a number of coordinated bomb attacks across Algeria. The Algerian War had started.

FLNNo major country to support them with weapons

They were limited to small military actions: Bombings of buildings, shops etc

No military limitations French gvt made it clear Algeria was part of France Increased its military presence with Paratroopers and Legionnaires

Legionnaires? Elite French fighting force, accepts foreign nationals andFrench citizens. Alongside paratroopers responsible for assassinating and retaliating against FLN supporters which severely weakened FLN leadership.

In 1955 typical Guerrilla warfare Para-Troopers pattern emerged FLN attacks - French army retaliates using vicious tactics to discourage FLN membership and to gain key information about the FLN. FLN attacks again.

FLN would put severe pressure on Algerian citizens and inflict terror on the pieds-noirs.