Algerian War of Independence Books

About Algerian War of Independence

The Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962) was a brutal and prolonged conflict between France and Algerian nationalists seeking to end colonial rule. It began with coordinated attacks by the National Liberation Front (FLN) in 1954 and quickly escalated into a full-scale guerrilla war marked by ambushes, bombings, assassinations, and acts of terror on both sides. The French government, determined to retain Algeria—which it considered an integral part of the French Republic—responded with overwhelming military force and repressive tactics, including torture, mass arrests, and internment camps. The war unfolded not just in Algeria but also in mainland France, where political instability and public opinion were deeply divided. It became a focal point of international attention, symbolizing the broader decolonization movement sweeping Africa and Asia. The conflict caused an estimated 1.5 million deaths and forced the displacement of millions more. After years of political turmoil and failed reforms, France ultimately negotiated a peace settlement. The Évian Accords were signed in 1962, granting Algeria full independence. The war left deep scars on both nations—fueling anti-colonial sentiment globally, influencing French politics for decades, and triggering the mass exodus of European settlers and pro-French Algerians. The Algerian War stands as a defining moment in the end of European colonial empires and the rise of post-colonial nationalism.