The Algerian War of Independence

The Algerian War of Independence was the culmination of a long process of popular political and armed resistance, against the French occupation of the country, beginning with the resistance of Emir Abdelkader (1832-1847), then the resistance of Ahmed Bey (1837-1848), through the resistance of Zaatacha (1848-1849) and Lalla Fatma Nsoumer and Sharif Boubegla (1851-1857), up to the resistance of Sheikh Mokrani and Sheikh Bouamama (1871-1883).

In addition to these, there were also other popular movements throughout Algerian geography, until the formation of the national movement in the 1930s, with the "North African Star Movement", which was founded in Paris in 1926 under the leadership of Messali Hadj, before it was transformed in 1937 into the "Algerian People's Party", then into the "Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Liberties" in 1946.

Within the body of the Movement for Freedoms, a secret military organization was formed, consisting of some of the militants who were enthusiastic about launching an armed revolution, against the background of internal and external conditions that they considered favorable, especially after the May 8, 1945 massacres, which killed 45,000 martyrs, committed by France against the Algerians demanding independence following the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The defeat of the French army in Dien Bien Phu in Indochina in 1954, was also an important motivation for launching an Algerian revolution, in line with the development and spread of liberation movements in the world.

Beginnings of the Algerian War of Independence

Four months before the outbreak of the war of independence, on June 23, 1954, 22 young members of the national movement met in a house in the upper part of the Algerian capital, to put forward the idea of a "military solution", as an alternative to what they considered a failure in the peaceful political path, within the national movement.

Following this meeting, chaired by Mustafa Ben Boulaïd, a decision was taken to appoint a small group to prepare the final preparations for the launch of the revolution, so that October 23, 1954, was the date for the meeting of the group of six (Mohamed Boudiaf, Mustafa Ben Boulaïd, Arab ben Mhidi, Mourad Didouche, Rabah Bitat and Krim Belkacem), who chose the name "National Liberation Front" for a liberation armed organization that works to achieve the independence of the country, on the first of November 1954, at zero o'clock (night of October 31), as the date for the beginning of the revolution.

Causes of the Algerian War of Independence:

French colonialism in Algeria since 1830.
The policy of racial discrimination practiced by the French colonial administration against Algerians.
The desire of Algerians for independence and to live in a free and sovereign state.

Stages of the Algerian War of Independence:

Stage 1 (1954-1956): This stage was the stage of preparation and organization, where the National Liberation Front was formed, and military operations against the French colonial administration began.
Stage 2 (1957-1962): This stage was the stage of armed struggle, where the revolutionaries were able to control large areas of Algerian territory, and they launched a series of military operations against the French colonial administration.
Stage 3 (1962-1962): This stage was the stage of negotiation between the National Liberation Front and the French government, which ended with the signing of the Evian Accords on March 19, 1962, which recognized the independence of Algeria.

Results of the Algerian War of Independence:

Independence of Algeria from France.
Establishment of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria.
Achievement of Algerian national unity.
Strengthening of Algerian national consciousness.
Inspiring many other countries in the Arab and African world in their struggle against colonialism.

The Algerian War of Independence is an important national event in the history of Algeria, and it is a symbol of struggle and national unity. The revolution has contributed to the achievement of many political, social and economic achievements in Algeria.

Preprint

Preprint

The Algerian War of Independence