Algerian Nationalism

As we have already mentioned that the rise of nationalism in Algeria is the main factor for the independent movement of it which is a very natural reaction of conquered nations. Rise of nationalism is due to the awareness that freedom does not lie in the efforts of dominators but in themselves. Thus Algerian nationalism can be said to be developed by three group’s efforts.

Star of North Africa

It was founded by Messali Hadjin in 1926 that followed nationalist and radical program. Their demand was Algerian independence and withdrawal of French troops through creation of a national army and nationalization of large estates. Algerian independence was mentioned for the first time by Star of North Africa. Group had connections with the French communist

With the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, a parade by thousands of Muslim population marched to the center to celebrate the victory. Celebrated Allied victory transformed into a riot and firmly suppressed by the French military forces. Clash resulted in thousands of Muslim deaths and the rise of nationalism among the population.

The Emergence of Front de Liberation Nationale (National Liberation Front)

FNL was formed by the Revolutionary Committee of Unity and Action as a split from MTDL in 1954 and became the major nationalist movement for Algerian independence. Rather than working towards reform as Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Liberties (M.T.L.D), FLN followed a revolutionary road. The Front was representing the workers, peasants and a part of national bourgeoisie which had its own military organization: National Liberation Army. Nationalist and anti-colonialist movements of Algerian people were leaded by

Bombs were planted by three women that caused a great shock among the population and even FLN supporters by the fact that the targets were innocent French civilians. After the Mayor’s death, French troops left four Muslims dead and fifty injured. The explosions of Algiers created an atmosphere of insecurity both in France and Algeria. Brutality of the war was seen in France despite all the efforts to hide it by government. Media was banned to keep French army’s brutal methods of interrogation. Torturing methods were used to get information of FLN activities that included electrodes and generators. After incidents, torture methods were compared with the one used in Nazi Germany. The war was won by French side by the capture of National Liberation Army