Algerian revolution of 1962– causes, success and cosequences

Background

Algerian revolution refers to an armed conflict that took place from 1954 to 1962 that led to Algeria gaining independence from the French rule on July 5^th 1962.  It was fronted by Ahmed Ben Bella, one of the prominent leaders of the FLN and the first President of independent Algeria; Houari Boumédiène, a key military leader who played a crucial role in the revolution and later became President of Algeria; Ferhat Abbas, a political leader who initially sought peaceful reforms but later joined the FLN and Abdelhafid Boussouf, an influential figure in the FLN and the revolutionary movement.

Causes of the Algerian revolution of 1962

The Algerian Revolution of 1962, also known as the Algerian War of Independence, was driven by several key factors:

1. Colonial Exploitation: The French colonial regime imposed heavy taxation on Algerians, particularly Muslims, and exploited the country’s resources for the benefit of the colonial rulers. This economic exploitation led to widespread poverty and discontent among the Algerian population.
2. Political Exclusion: Algerians had no representation in the French National Assembly and were grossly underrepresented on national councils. This political exclusion fueled the desire for self-governance and independence.
3. Cultural Suppression: The French colonial authorities suppressed Algerian culture, language, and education. The denial of education and the imposition of the French language and culture led to a loss of cultural identity and resentment among Algerians.
4. Religious Differences: The majority of Algerians were Muslims, while the French colonialists were predominantly Roman Catholics. This religious divide contributed to the tensions and the desire for independence.
5. Injustice and Discrimination: The French judicial system replaced the Islamic system of justice, leading to widespread injustice and discrimination against Algerians. The arbitrary laws and harsh treatment by the colonial authorities further fueled the revolutionary spirit.
6. Influence of Other Independence Movements: The success of independence movements in other countries, such as Morocco and Tunisia, inspired Algerian leaders and the general population to pursue their own struggle for freedom.
7. International Context: The global context of decolonization and the Cold War provided a favorable environment for the revolution. The Algerian revolutionaries sought to internationalize their struggle and gain support from other countries and international organizations.
8. Massacres and Atrocities: The indiscriminate massacre of Algerians by the French, particularly the events of May 1945 at Setif, heightened nationalistic feelings and led to a widespread desire for liberation.
9. Influence of revolutions: For instance, Algerian were inspired by the success of Egyptian revolution of 1956.
10. Inspiration from independent countries: Algerian were inspired by indepence of Ghana.

These factors collectively led to the outbreak of the Algerian Revolution, which ultimately resulted in the country’s independence from French colonial rule on July 5, 1962.

Factors that caused success of the Algerian revolution of 1962

The success of the Algerian Revolution of 1962 can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Unified Leadership: The National Liberation Front (FLN) provided strong and unified leadership. Key figures like Ahmed Ben Bella, Houari Boumédiène, and Ferhat Abbas played crucial roles in organizing and leading the revolution1.
2. Guerrilla Warfare: The FLN effectively used guerrilla warfare tactics, which were difficult for the French forces to counter. The FLN’s ability to carry out surprise attacks and sabotage operations kept the French military off balance.
3. International Support: The revolution gained significant international support, particularly from countries like Egypt, China, and the Soviet Union. This support helped to legitimize the FLN’s cause and put pressure on France to negotiate.
4. French Overextension: France was already overextended militarily and economically due to its involvement in other conflicts, such as the Vietnam War. This overextension made it difficult for France to sustain a prolonged military campaign in Algeria1.
5. Public Support: The FLN managed to garner widespread support from the Algerian population. The brutal repression by the French, including widespread torture and forced resettlement, further galvanized public opinion against the colonial regime1.
6. Strategic Planning: The FLN’s strategic planning and coordination of attacks, such as the Battle of Algiers, were highly effective in undermining French control and morale.
7. Economic Exploitation: The exploitation of Algeria’s resources by the French and the economic disparities it created fueled the desire for independence among the Algerian population.
8. Cultural and Religious Identity: The FLN’s emphasis on Algerian cultural and religious identity resonated with the population, strengthening the resolve to fight for independence.

These factors collectively contributed to the success of the Algerian Revolution, leading to the country’s independence from French colonial rule on July 5, 1962.

Impact of the Algerian revolution of 1962

The Algerian Revolution of 1962 had several significant impacts:

1. End of Colonial Rule: The revolution led to the end of 132 years of French colonial rule. Algeria declared its independence on July 5, 1962, marking a major victory for the National Liberation Front (FLN) and the Algerian people.
2. National Identity: The revolution fostered a strong sense of national identity and unity among Algerians. The struggle for independence became a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression and a source of pride for the nation.
3. Economic Changes: Post-independence, Algeria focused on nationalizing its resources, particularly the oil and gas industry. This allowed the country to gain greater control over its natural wealth and invest in its development.
4. Social Reforms: The new government implemented various social reforms, including improvements in education, healthcare, and housing. Efforts were made to reduce economic disparities and promote social justice.
5. International Relations: Algeria’s independence inspired other anti-colonial movements around the world. The country became a key player in the Non-Aligned Movement and established strong ties with other newly independent nations.
6. Political Instability: The transition from colonial rule to independence was marked by political instability and internal conflicts. The FLN faced challenges in maintaining unity and managing the diverse interests within the country.
7. Cultural Renaissance: The revolution sparked a cultural renaissance, with a renewed emphasis on Algerian culture, language, and traditions. This cultural revival helped to strengthen national identity and pride.
8. Long-term Impact: The legacy of the revolution continues to shape Algeria’s political, social, and economic landscape. The struggle for independence remains a defining moment in the country’s history and a source of inspiration for future generations.

These impacts collectively shaped Algeria’s post-revolution history and had lasting implications for the country and the region.

Factors that caused a delay of Algerians Independence

Several factors contributed to the delay of Algerian independence:

1. French Military Superiority: The French had a well-equipped military with advanced weaponry, which made it difficult for the Algerian resistance to gain an upper hand.
2. Divide and Rule Policy: The French colonial authorities implemented policies that created divisions among different ethnic and social groups in Algeria, such as the Berbers and Arabs. This disunity weakened the overall resistance movement1.
3. Assimilation Policy: Some Algerians were assimilated into French culture and society, leading to a group of loyalists who supported French rule and provided information to the colonial authorities.
4. Internal Power Struggles: There were internal conflicts and power struggles within the resistance movement, particularly between different guerrilla commandos (wilayas), which hindered a unified approach.
5. Economic Dependence: Algeria’s economy was heavily dependent on France, and many Algerians relied on economic ties with the colonial power for their livelihoods.
6. Harsh French Reactions: The French government’s harsh responses to nationalist activities, including torture and repression, created fear and hesitation among some Algerians.
7. Lack of Immediate Foreign Support: Initially, there was a lack of substantial international support for the Algerian independence movement, which delayed the momentum needed for a successful revolution.
8. Presence of Settlers: A significant number of European settlers (pieds-noirs) in Algeria had vested interests in maintaining French rule, which posed an obstacle to the independence movement.

These factors collectively contributed to the delay in achieving Algerian independence, which was finally realized on July 5, 1962.

 

Please obtain free notes, exams and marking guides of Physics, chemistry, biology, history, from digitalteachers.co.ug website.

Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science