Algerian War of Independence (1954-62)

long term

colonialism and inequality

Colonialism

Algeria was a french colonial possesion.

Decolonizing happening, France granted indepence to Tunisia and Morroco

Inequality

Native Algerian Muslim population was declining while settlers were increason.

Economic inequalities such as unemployment

French colonization was abusive and mostly poor

Shor-term causes

Massacre, settlement policy and nationalism

Massacre

In 1945, celebreting the surrender of Nazy Germany. Algerian nationalist staged demonstrations and confronted European Settlers

6000 deaths of Muslims, black-feet and french soldiers.

Same groups that will fight 9 years later

Settlement Policy

France kept Algeria and Indochina as their colonies as a way to recapture the glory, influence and power of France

Nationalism

FLN (National Liberation Front) demanded complete independence from France.

1954, it conducted bomb attacks across Algeria

Practices

Conscription,Guerrilla Warfare, terrorism and friendly borders

Conscription

Enlistment for military service, enforced by law.

Guerrilla Warfare

FLN militias vs French army (Paratroopers and Legionnaries)

French army conducted assassination campaign against FLN suspects

FLN attacks would provoke retalatory attacks from the French army. French army would use vicious tactics to discourage civillian support and obtain information about FLN activities.

Air Power

Helicopters used by the french army to remove a major guerrilla target

Terrorism

Killing of civillians with a political purpose.

OAS, terrorist organisation, formed by black-feet and military officers

Battle of Algiers (1956-57)

FLN terrorist attacks in the capital.

This was made as an attempt to earn more international support and attention.

Friendly Borders

Morice Line, fortified barrier between Algeria and Tunisia to prevent FLN fighters and supplies from getting into Algeria

Despite this, FLN launched attacks from Tunisia and Morroco

Effects

Algeria Independence

FLN rules

“Cleaning the house”: FLN conducted a campaign of retribution against muslim who were suspect of being loyal to the French during and after the war.

Evian Accords: ended the conflict- agreement that established permanent ceasefire and the removal of French forces.

Charles de Gaulle, start doing nukes and takes France out of NATO