When Did Algeria Gain Independence?
The North African country of Algeria has a long history of struggle for independence. Algeria has experienced several different kinds of colonialism, from the ancient Roman Empire to the French colonization that lasted from 1830 until 1962. Those early years of the twentieth century were marked by strong resistance against French rule and colonialism, as Algerians fought to reclaim their freedom and become an independent nation. The journey to complete freedom and nationhood, that started almost two centuries ago, was finally realized on July 5th 1962 as Algeria gained independence or “liberation” as it is now known.
Colonial Rule of Algeria
The first traces of colonization in Algeria began in the 2nd century BC with the Roman empire settling in the region. This influence was the beginning of Algeria’s deep-rooted contact with European culture. After 1500 years, Algeria became a part of the Ottoman Empire until the Barbary Pirate period from 1600 until 1830 when the French invaded the country.
French Colonization of Algeria
French colonization of Algeria occurred in 1830 and lasted until 1962. This was a significant period for the Algerian people, dominated and oppressed by French rule and marked by major social, economical and educational backwardness. Under French rule, servitude, racial and religious discrimination were commonplace, as well as the separation of French and Algerian law, with privileges given to French settlers that were denied to Algerians.
Resistance of Algerian People During Colonial Rule
There were several Algerian resistance movements that pushed back against French colonial rule throughout the years of colonization. One of the earliest and most significant battles was the Battle of Macta in 1835, which was fought by the Algerian people in order to protect the homeland from the foreign occupiers. This battle was followed by the Great Arab Revolt of 1871, which was led by a new resistance movement called the National liberation Army of Algeria. This organization resisted French rule through guerrilla warfare, sabotage and acts of terrorism. The National Liberation Army was eventually defeated due to military and political pressure from France and its allies.
First World War & Post War Independence
Notably, during the First World War, Algeria’s role in the Allied victory against Germany helped to bring attention to Algeria’s cause for independence. Along with this, Social, legal and economic reforms under the Vichy regime, helped to improve the standard of living and public opinion in Algeria, leading the way for future independence movements.
The War of Independence
The war of independence is generally considered to have begun on November 1st 1954, when the National Liberation Front, or FLN, started an armed revolt against French colonialists. By 1958, the FLN had become the ruling party of Algeria and officially declared independence on July 5th 1962. This declaration marked the end of a revolution that began in 1954 and signified the victory of the Algerian people in their fight for independence.
Strategies used by Algerian FLN
The National Liberation Front (FLN) was the main resistance group led by Algerians against the French during the war of independence. This group was crucial in leading the resistance and gaining comprehensive support from the people to fight for independence. The FLN was successful in their campaign for independence due to several key strategies and tactics. They combined guerrilla warfare and hit-and-run attacks with diplomatic negotiations, political organization and an emphasis on the unity of the Algerian people.
The Ferhat Abbas Government & Evian Accords
The FAN was successful in gaining national support and by 1958, the Ferhat Abbas government of Algeria was recognized by the United Nations. It was then that negotiations between the FLN and France were opened. Ultimately, leading to the Evian Accords, which was a peace treaty signed in 1962 between Algeria and France, that marked the official end of the war of independence and the beginning of Algerian liberation.
International support of Algerian Independence
During the Algerian revolution, the country received a great deal of international support for the anti-colonialist cause. The struggle for independence was significant for the African Diaspora and brought attention to the importance of self-determination. International support included both other African countries and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This movement was a group of countries concerned with colonial liberation and self-determination and was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1961 to promote and protect independence from colonial powers.
The story of Algerian independence is one that has immense historical and political significance for the African continent and for Algerians themselves. After a period of colonialism that spanned centuries and included great injustice, repression and self-sacrifice, Algerian people were eventually successful in gaining their freedom in 1962. The strategies and tactics used by the National Liberation Front, alongside the strong international support of their cause, was essential in bringing an end to French colonization of Algeria and the successful declaration of independence.
As a result, this particular moment in history is held in great regard and celebration by the Algerian people and is a source of pride and dignity for the nation. July 5th 1962 will forever be remembered as a decisive day in Algeria’s story of struggle and heroism, leading to freedom and nationhood.
