Algeria a French colony? History and independence

Introduction

Algeria was indeed a French colony for 132 years, from 1830 to 1962. Here’s an overview of its colonial history and path to independence:

French Colonization

In 1830, France invaded and captured Algiers, beginning its conquest of Algeria.

By 1834, France had annexed Algeria as a colony.

In 1848, Algeria was declared an integral part of France and divided into three departments.

Colonial Rule

France implemented a policy of “civilizing” and assimilating Algeria.

The colony was administered as part of France, with the motto “L’Algerie c’est la France” (Algeria is France).

European settlers, known as colons or pieds-noirs, became a privileged minority.

By 1914, over 500,000 Europeans had settled in Algeria, comprising about 10% of the population.

Algerian Resistance

Resistance to French rule began as early as the 19th century.

The movement for independence gained momentum after World War I and II.

In 1954, the National Liberation Front (FLN) launched a guerrilla war against France.

War for Independence

The Algerian War lasted from 1954 to 1962.

It was a complex conflict involving guerrilla warfare and civil strife.

The war caused political crises in France, including the fall of the Fourth Republic.

Path to Independence

In 1959, Charles de Gaulle recognized Algerians’ right to self-determination.

The Évian Accords, signed in March 1962, paved the way for independence.

On July 1, 1962, 99.72% of Algerians voted for independence in a referendum.

Algeria officially declared independence on July 5, 1962.

Conclusion

The Algerian struggle for independence became a symbol of anticolonialism worldwide and marked the end of France’s colonial empire in North Africa.