One of the greatest revolutions of the 20th century
“There is no solution without a revolution. Revolution is our duty; it is our honor, a duty that we owe to our people and our martyrs” – Larbi Ben Mhidi
“The Algerian people have chosen, with all their determination, to assume their responsibilities and fight for their independence.”
– Ahmed Ben Bella
Introduction:
From the depth of despair, a radiant light of freedom emerged, marking the beginning of a revolution, led by brave souls longing to be free.
This revolution was named the Algerian Liberation Revolution, which lasted for 7 years and resulted in the independence of Algeria.
Prelude to the war:
Before the start of the Algerian War of Independence, the situation in the country was challenging due to French colonial rule that lasted for an extended period of a decade and a half. Algerian people suffered from discrimination and marginalization, as their cultural and religious practices were oppressed as well as the poor economical and political conditions which were dominated by the European settlers known as “Les pieds Noirs”.
The national movement faced disintegration, triggering a crisis. Colonial policies persisted, ignoring the national movement’s demands, and brutal massacres, particularly the massacres of May 8, 1945, where 45,000 martyrs fell victim to French atrocities against Algerians demanding independence following the victory of the World War II, intensified the Algerians’ spirit to break free as they understood that revolution is the solution.
Globally, the rise of liberation movements gained momentum, highlighted by France’s significant defeat in the Dien Bien Phu battle in Vietnam in 1954. Tunisia and Morocco also witnessed armed resistance. Internationally, there was a positive shift towards peaceful coexistence and recognition of peoples’ right to self-determination through agreements. France’s post-World War II military decline influenced these changes. All of these circumstances eventually led to the people’s struggle for independence.
Preparations for the outbreak:
1▪︎ Establishing the Revolutionary Committee for Unity and Action:
The committee was founded on March 23, 1954, by members of the special organization and some central figures.
When the central figures failed to achieve their objectives, members of the special organization were determined to engage in armed action.
Their consensus led to the formation of what became known as the “Group of 22.”
2▪︎ Meeting of the Group of 22:
This meeting took place on 25/07/1954 in Algiers. They discussed the idea of a “military solution” as an alternative to what they perceived as a failure in the peaceful political path within the nationalist movement.
They also decided to have another smaller meeting with fewer members to set a date and an hour for the action initiating the revolution.
3▪︎ Meeting of the six:
Picture of the six leaders
Another gathering of six individuals including Mohamed Boudiaf, Mustafa Benboulaid, Larbi Ben M’hidi, Mourad Didouche, Rabah Bitat, and Karim Belkacem, took place in 1954 to form the armed liberation organization named the National Liberation Front (FLN).
Key decisions included setting the revolution’s start date for November 1, 1954. The National Liberation Army (A.L.N.), was formed, and a statement was drafted for international and national audiences, outlining the revolution’s objectives.
The revolution officially began on November 1, 1954, at midnight.
The Start of Armed Conflict:
Algerian fighters lifting the Algerian Flag
The revolution officially began on November 1, 1954, at midnight launching from the Aurès Mountains in eastern Algeria.
Operations extended across regions, accompanied by the distribution of flyers in Arabic and French stating the cause and the goals of the revolution.
The French administration responded to that by dissolving Algerian political organizations and arresting over 500 individuals associated with the national movement.
The general strategy of the National Liberation Army aimed to intensify attacks on the enemy, ensure attacks are widespread, retrieve weapons from the enemy, and sabotage its economy. Local leadership adapted activities to fit the local conditions between 1954 and 1956. The army engaged in field operations, utilized various routes, and interacted with the population. Special soldiers were chosen to communicate between different regions, gathering information on enemy positions and movements.
A significant moment of the revolution was the August attacks in the northern Constantine region, which brought international attention to the Algerian cause as the UN General Assembly included the “Algerian question” on its 1955 agenda.
The “Soummam Conference” on August 20, 1956, played a crucial role in restructuring the revolutionary movement. Based on its recommendations, the country was divided into 6 states, further subdivided into regions, sectors, and divisions, operating under the revolution’s leaders.
The National Liberation Front (FLN) adapted new strategies, including guerilla warfare and individual strikes. So, from 1957 onward the city of Algiers witnessed direct urban attacks on French targets, marking the start of the “Battle of Algiers.” A sweeping strike that relied on the strategy of hit-and-run and direct combat. It noted a turning point in the conflict as it led to international attention and a shift in the dynamics of the war, ultimately influencing diplomatic efforts.
Results and Impact:
General Charles de Gaulle
Following the impact of the liberation war, President of France Charles de Gaulle called for reconciliation in a speech on June 4, 1958. This led to the formation of the interim government of the Algerian Republic in Cairo on September 19, 1958. Despite this political move, the brutal war against the Algerian people continued for four more years before other negotiations in June 1960 failed when France demanded the surrender of the National Liberation Army, a request rejected by the internal government of the Algerian Republic. On December 11, 1960, popular protests in Algiers and other cities turned into a popular uprising against colonialism, affirming the nation’s desire for liberation. Faced with international pressure, the French governement reluctantly returned to the negotiation table. Formal talks continued throughout 1961, resulting in the signing of the Évian Accords in Switzerland on March 18, 1962 and the announcement of a ceasefire on March 19, 1962.
The country officially gained its independence on July 5, 1962.
Algerians celebrating their independence from colonialism
Conclusion:
In the heavy shadows of oppression, a great story of bravery emerged revealing the resilience of courageous people that refused to bow down and decided to rise up, attempting to change their destiny.
The Algerian War of Independence stands as a testament to the unyielding nature of the human spirits. It is the story of a great nation that rose from the ashes inspiring many liberation movements around the world, such as The Vietnamese armed struggle under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, as well as The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro, which was influenced by the tactics employed by the FLN in Algeria. Along with many African and Latino American Struggles against colonialism.
The Algerian War encouraged a sense of solidarity for liberation movements, and it showed that the strong will of the brave can win against the toughest colonial powers.
Written by Nassira Saadallah – freelance blogger | communication specialist