Colonization of Algeria
-
1827
A dispute over unpaid debts results in a diplomatic crisis between the dey (local Ottoman ruler) of Algiers and the French ambassador. -
1830
French troops arrive in Sidi Ferruch on June 14. On July 5, Algiers is captured and the Dey formally surrenders.
-
1832
The Emir Abd El-Kader, a powerful religious figure, becomes the head of the jihad (holy war) against the French colonizers.
-
1837
The Treaty of Tafna leaves two thirds of Algeria to Abd El Kader. Following the capture of Constantine by the French, he redoubles his calls to war against the French. Over the next decade, the French army frequently massacres Algerian troops and civilians
-
1847
Abd El-Kader surrenders and is eventually exiled to Turkey. Local tribes continue to organize rebellions against the French.
-
1848
Algeria is officially declared a French territory.
-
1866-1868
the confiscation of indigenous lands across Algeria and ill preparedness of the settlers causes a massive famine estimated to have killed over 500,000 people. Over the next decade, over a million acres of land are confiscated and given to European settlers.
-
1870
the Cremieux decree grants Algerian Hews full French citizenship
-
1889
A decree gives French citizenship to all descendants of European settled in Algeria. Muslims are considered second class citizens.
-
1914-1918
Muslim Algerians are conscripted to serve in WW 1. Over 25,000 die in the course of the war.
-
1931
France celebrates the centennial of the colonization of Algeria. Massive festivities take place across both countries, although certain revolutionary groups begin to express their anger and desire for independence.
-
1940
Vichy France abolishes the Cremieux decree and imposes Nazi law onto Algeria.
-
1942
Allied liberation of Algiers
-
1944
De Gaulle grants citizenship to 65,000 Muslim Algerians
-
1945
Anti-colonial riots in Algeria kill around 100 Europeans. The ensuing repression by the French army kills between 15,000 and 45,000 protesters.
-
1954
Creation of the Revolutionary Committee of Unity and Action in response to political machinations which limit Algerian Muslim political representation. The CRUA will later become the FLN (National Liberation Front).
-
1955
Following mass uprisings across rural Algeria, the UN organizes debates regarding the "Algerian question." Increasing numbers of French troops are sent to Algeria.
-
1957
Following the Battle of Algiers, during which Algerian freedom fighters set off bombs around the city, the French army generalizes its use of torture on suspected independence fighters.
-
1959
De Gaulle, who has been recalled to handle the Algerian "crisis", recognizes the right of indigenous Algerians to a referendum on their self-determination. French intellectuals sign a manifesto encouraging young French men to desert the army.
-
1961
the OAS, an anti-independence group headed by French army officials, forms and fails to overthrow the French government. In October, the FLN directs Algerian immigrants in Paris to peacefully protest. The Paris police, headed by former Nazi collaborator Maurice Papon, attacks the protesters. Because many of the bodies are thrown into the Seine, the number of casualties is uncertain but is likely in the hundreds.
-
1962
The Evian Accords are signed on March 18 and demand an immediate cease-fire. Algerian independence is officially declared on July 5.
Compiled by EH