Decolonization: Case Study 1 - Algeria (1954-1962)

Algeria: Decolonization Case Study (1954-1962)

French Perspective on Decolonization

  • France differed from the British and Dutch in its approach to decolonization.
  • It fiercely resisted independence movements in its colonies.
  • France aimed to restore its international reputation after 1945 within the context of the Cold War.

Algeria: An Integral Part of France

  • Algeria was treated as a province of France, not just a colony.
  • It was viewed as a 'land of opportunity' for French citizens.
  • Approximately 1 million French settlers, known as 'colons' or 'pieds noirs,' resided in Algeria.
  • These settlers were strongly opposed to Algerian independence.

Colonial Society in Algeria

  • Algerians were considered colonial subjects and second-class citizens in their own land.
  • The government in Algiers was controlled by the white settlers.
  • There was no intention to grant Algeria independence.
  • Extremist sentiments began to surface in the 1950s.

The Algerian War Begins (1954)

  • The National Liberation Front (FLN) emerged as a militant nationalist group.
  • The FLN was led by Ben Bella.

Slogans and the French Position

  • The French position was summarized by the slogan "Algeria is France!"
  • The decolonization process was marked by "blood and tears."

FLN Tactics

  • The FLN employed guerrilla-style warfare.
  • They used brutal intimidation tactics against local people.
  • Bombings, murders, and acts of terrorism were part of their strategy.

French Response and Internal Divisions

  • French public opinion was divided on the issue of Algeria.
  • The French Army was determined not to surrender Algeria.
  • There was a threat of civil war within France itself.
  • In 1958, Charles de Gaulle was called upon to lead France.

Charles de Gaulle's Role

  • De Gaulle was a nationalist and military figure.
  • The army believed he would never concede Algerian independence.
  • In 1958, he was elected President of France.
  • He introduced a new constitution.

De Gaulle's Shift in Policy

  • De Gaulle realized that an outright military victory in Algeria was impossible.
  • He recognized that the cost of the war was too high for France.
  • He made the decision to negotiate with the FLN.
  • This decision infuriated the army and settlers in Algeria.

OAS Terrorism

  • Some military leaders formed the Organisation armée secrète (OAS).
  • The OAS initiated a terrorist campaign in Algeria and France.
  • They engaged in bombings and murders.
  • There were assassination attempts on De Gaulle.

Independence and its Legacy (1962)

  • Algeria was granted independence in 1962.
  • The Algerian War was one of the bloodiest wars of independence.

Legacy of Violence

  • The crisis was characterized by extreme savagery on both sides.
  • The French Army used state terror, including torture, executions, and violent repression.
  • The FLN engaged in extremist terrorism, including bombings, murder, and targeting of locals.