Franco-Algerian relations

Algeria-France relations

Algeria	France

Relations between France and Algeria span more than five centuries. This massive amount of time has led to many changes within the nation of Algeria; subsequently, affecting the relations enormously. Through this time period, Algeria has gone through being part of the Ottoman Empire, being conquered and colonized by France, playing an important role in both world wars, and finally being its own nation. Over time, relations between the nations have suffered, as tension between Algerians and the French has increased. This being said, however, despite its history, both Algeria and France share a long and historically rich relationship.

The first contact that was had between the two nations began in 1526, when Algeria was part of the Ottoman Empire. Francis I of France and the Ottoman Emperor Suleiman the Magnificent had just agreed upon the Franco-Ottoman alliance, which initiated contact between France and the Barbary States of Northern Africa. These states were considered vassals for the Ottoman Empire; thus, were drawn into relations with France as a result of this alliance.

Algerian-French relations started considerably later, several hundred years after first contact was had between the Ottoman Empire and the French. In short, the relations between France and Algeria were essentially one of colonization. The colonization of Algeria by France began after a rather peculiar event, in April 1827, when the Dey of Algiers angrily struck the French consul with a fly whisk. Three years following this event, France began the invasion of Algeria. Between these three years, France unsuccessfully tried a variety of tactics in order to establish control in the region. All of them proved futile leading to a decision in 1830 to invade the country. The Algerians were quick to surrender following the landing of the French army on July 5, 1830. The last dey of Algiers, Husayn, was forced into exile as part of the agreement. However, one important Ottoman Algerian leader held onto power for several more years, but in general was quick to succumb to the French presence in the region. Due to the fact that Constantine was a considerable distance away from Algiers, France easily stopped Ottoman influence in the region, and instead, asserted their own power.

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Wikipedia