Algerian Independence Movement By: Cierra Carter and Keagan Richard

Origins and Development of Groups opposing colonialism November 1, July 3, 1962 The French completed the conquest of Algeria in the early 1900s; resulting in major resentment of the French government. National struggle for the restoration of the Algerian state as a result of the Algerian people’s dissatisfaction with being treated as second-class citizens by the French government. Religion: Refused permission to preach in official mosques Social: More restrictive laws concerning public order and security Economic: Newly emerging classes Ideological Values

Key Leaders and their roles Ben Bella Created the Revolutionary Committee of Unity and Action (CRUA), later named the National Liberation Front (FLN) Considered the Leader of the Algerian Independence Movement, along with the eight other leaders Other Eight Leaders: Ait Ahmed, Mohamed Boudiaf, Belkacem Krim, Rabah Bitat, Larbi Ben M'Hidi, Mourad Didouch, Moustafa Ben Boulaid, Mohamed Khider Their role was to gain foreign support for the rebellion and to acquire arms, supplies, and funds for the commanders Charles De Gaulle (Opposition) French President Supported ruthless attacks and efforts  “Self Determination”

Methods used to achieve Independence Called a Nationwide General Strike Shootings Public bombings/attacks: Carried and planted by women Police posts Warehouses Communications facilities Public utilities Transportation Services Hit-and- run tactics similar to guerrilla warfare Ambushes and night raids Targeted army patrols, military encampments, police posts, and colon farms, mines, and factories

Connections between independence movement and Cold War rivalry U.S. originally supported France because they were a Cold War Ally Later separated themselves from French policies The USSR supported Algerian independence Hoped to gain influence in the military Could potentially gain very effective military bases Possible Soviet intervention/aid led the US to become a economic partner with Algeria, importing their oil 60% of Algeria’s economy is oil 96% of total exports Cold war ended during most of post-independence conflict

Post conflict political organization Algeria gained their independence from France on July 3, Socialism Evian Accords: Signed by the French government and FLN leaders signaling the end to the Franco- Algerian War colons equal legal protection with Algerians over a three year period respect for property participation in public affairs full range of civil and cultural rights Release incarcerated “historic chiefs” End of that period Europeans had to become Algerian citizens or be classified as aliens with the loss of rights Constitution in 1963 Ben Bella became President, overthrown in 1965 by Defense Minister Houari Boumedienne New constitution in 1989, allowed reduced FLN role, allowed political opposition, restricted army, right to strike, etc. The majority of French voters voted for Algerian independence and De Gaulle proclaimed it after an almost unanimous vote. Independence movement leaders lead country Often represented different fractions of the population Tradition of triangular and authoritative power Army, party, and state apparatus (the public) share power but constantly compete Military strongest branch Elections were cancelled after the first vote because the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) was expected to win no matter what Ended Constitutional government

Difficulties faced by emerging Independent Governments Economy was in terrible shape Twice the regional (North Africa/Middle East) average of the mean probability for civil war onset Independence movement leaders lead country Often represented different fractions of the population Tradition of triangular and authoritative power army, party, and state apparatus (the public) share power but constantly compete Military strongest branch President Chadli Benjedid Introduced multiparty elections as response to bloody riots sparked by economy Creation of the Islamic Salvation front(FIS) FIS competition for FLN  gerrymandering “State of Siege” FIS gained 47% of vote during first round of open elections Military coup before second round to secure win $40,000 seed money from Osama bin Laden, regrouped as the armed, brutal force Groupe Islamique Armé Belhadj Dismisses democracy as tool of the West

Social, Political Social Before independence, French led social dislocation Removed rural families from ancestral land Oil Elites Many people moved out of the country Increased number of homeless, displaced, and disenfranchised people than ever with many suffering from all sorts of sicknesses Education was greatly lacking FIS guided social structure, became major focus Political Evian Accords Independent Algerian State Authoritarian and Democratic traits Open elections No religious freedom

Economic, Religious Economic Damaged Economy Decline in world oil prices Oil 96% of exports 60% of government revenue 30% of total Women were discouraged from taking jobs and working Unemployment rates increased Land reforms and private industries nationalized Religious No religious freedom 99% Muslim Vast Majority Suni

Military, Ideological Military Most powerful branch in Algerian government Men 18 and older must serve 18 months Traditionally armed by Russia and China CIA provides large aid for assistance with al-Qaeda Ideological Government should provide assistance Islamic law From socialism, to democratic, to authoritarian

Long-Term Impact of the Independence Movement Still a lot of corruption throughout the country The death toll was enormous and took a harsh impact on the country They had to completely rebuild the economy and social stations The country has continually had more crime and attacks that have continued up into present day Unrest continues

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