The history of Algeria

The history of every country is very long, as well these of Nigeria. So I decided to give you some information about the Ottoman and French colonization and the struggle for the independence. I think it is useful to know something about that subject before visiting this country.

We can find the history of Algeria in North Africa, in the fertile coastal plain, which is also called Maghreb. North Africa was used as a transit area for people on their way to Europe or the Middle East, so the inhabitants of the region are influenced by populations of other regions. The mix of the inhabitants and the influence of the people who cross their area, created a new folk, the Berber people. The major part of the country is dominated by the Islam and the arrival of the Arabs. These are also the most significant forces in the country's history together with Ottoman and French colonization, and the struggle for independence.

Algeria and the surrounding territory was occupied by France since 1834. Due to the new regime, led by a French governor-general, there was a lot of resistance from tribes. Abd al Qadir, the military leader and head of the Sufi Islamic brotherhood used hit-and-run tactics against the French armies and it was very effective. In the 1850s, the Berber forces continued to resist the French and in 1871 Kabyle Berbers performed a fierce rebellion in Kabylia, in eastern Algeria. French colonial forces finally put the revolution down in 1872.


As a result of all the resistance, France began to colonize Algeria in all seriousness. Algeria was divided into three overseas departments of France, controlled by the European settlers. With the help of capital, they developed an economy, with industries, banks, schools, shops, and services.

The Muslim population remained a majority, put through many restrictions, such as a prohibition for public meetings, carry guns, or leave their homes or villages without permission. So they were French citizens and they had to reject the Islam to become a fully French inhabitant. In the beginning of the 19the century, thousands Muslims emigrated to France to find work.

The Muslim population grew progressively, by 1930, they were already with 5 million. A small minority were educated in French schools and adopted French culture, although they were not accepted as equals by the settlers. From this group came the first motivation for Algerian 
nationalism.


Sources:

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107272.html

http://www.countriesquest.com/africa/algeria/history/french_colonization.htm

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/world/algeria-history.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Algeria