4.1 Origins and Causes of the Algerian War

Pieds noirs

European immigrants who settled in Algeria, particularly after 1880, and had a significant influence in politics.

Front de Libération Nationale (FLN)

Algerian nationalist organization formed to fight for independence through armed struggle.

French Conquest of Algeria

The 1830 invasion of Algeria by France, leading to a long and bloody war of resistance by Algerians.

Abd al-Qadir

Leader who united Arab and Berber clans in a jihad against French invaders in Algeria.

Manifeste du Peuple Algérien

Document drafted in 1943 by Algerian nationalist leaders calling for equality, land reform, and independence.

Setif Massacre

Violent clash in May 1945 between Algerian nationalists and French authorities, resulting in a harsh response and thousands of deaths.

Organisation Speciale

Militant group formed in 1947 dedicated to armed struggle for Algerian independence.

French colonial policy post WWII

Post-1945 French government's efforts to maintain control over its empire, leading to unsuccessful wars in Indochina and Algeria.

Algerian Assembly

Legislative body in Algeria where Muslims and Europeans could elect representatives, but elections were often manipulated to exclude critical Muslim voices.

Toussaint Rouge

The outbreak of the Algerian War on November 1, 1954, marked by FLN guerrilla attacks on military and government targets.