Decolonization in Algeria

Messali Hadj created this organization to demand higher wages and support other workers interest in the French colony. The French eventually banned the group in 1937, but it made people in Algeria recognize problems they had with French control.

The French increased taxes to pay for the war effort. They also supported racial policies that favored the french population in Algeria. The combination of these really caused tension between Algerians and the French.

This began as in uprising south of Algeria in 1954. Shortly afterwards, uprisings took place in Algeria. In 1956 leaders of the uprisings secretly met and formed the Comittee National pour la Revolution Algerienne. The French thought these uprisings were signs of treason and crushed them with great force. France tried to block off the country so that weapons and ammunition could not be delivered to the revolutionaries.

After the FLN ( Front pour la liberation Nationale rebels outside of Algeria) executed three French prisoners, France asked Charles De Gaulle to come out of retirement and create a new government. Colonies had to vote on the new constitution that was made, but Algeria was viewed as part of France. It's votes counted towards France.

After negotiations failed, France sent helicopters to pursue rebels in the mountains. They started offer social reforms and services to please the Algerian rebels. This may have worked if they hadn't of went back to their old ways during interrogations and forced many algerians to leave their homes. After this De Gaulle gave in and gave Algeria the opportunity to decide whether or not they would become independent.

Before De gaulles peace plan could come into effect, French settlers in Algeria started their own rebellion. They hated the idea of Algeria being independent from France. De gaulle did all he could to " shoot this down." He said they were prolonging an unnecessary war.

Algeria officially declared independence