Algeria
National Republic of Algeria | |
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| Capital | Shlef |
| Demonym | Numidian |
Algeria, officially the National Republic of Algeria, is a country in North Africa, bordered by Numidia and Tunisia to the northeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and Morocco to the west. Algeria has a rich history, marked by multiple periods of foreign rule, most notably by the Ottoman Empire, France, and Great Britain.
History
Ottoman Rule
The Ottoman Empire's influence over Algeria was marked by a relatively stable administration and the promotion of Islamic culture and education. The local population, primarily consisting of Berber and Arab tribes, maintained a degree of autonomy under the governance of local leaders, who were entrusted with enforcing Ottoman policies and collecting taxes. Throughout the period of Ottoman rule, Algeria experienced economic growth and increased trade with other parts of the empire. However, as the 19th century approached, internal strife and the rise of European powers led to a decline in Ottoman influence, ultimately paving the way for French, and later British, colonization efforts in the region.
Failed French colonization (late 18th century)
French colonization attempts in Algeria occurred during the mid-19th century as France sought to expand its influence in North Africa. Eager to take advantage of the weakening Ottoman Empire, the French government initiated a series of military expeditions and diplomatic efforts to establish a foothold in the region. However, these endeavors were met with significant resistance from the local population, who fiercely opposed French rule.
French colonization in Algeria was significantly impacted by the political turmoil in France, particularly the outbreak of the Communard Revolution, and the rise of the new French communard republic. This led to political instability within France, creating a lack of clear strategic direction and a wavering commitment to the colonial project in Algeria. The resources and attention required to address the domestic upheaval further undermined France's ability to sustain its colonial ambitions. The French colonization attempts eventually failed, paving the way for British colonization of the region.
British Algeria (1880s-1955)
With the British navy already supporting Venice's efforts in North Africa, Britain saw an opportunity to expand its influence in the area and to consolidate its position as a colonial power in Africa. The British first established a presence in Algeria in the 1880s. In 1912, Britain acquired the majority of Venetian claims in modern-day Algeria and Numidia, with the exception of the port of Bona.
The British administration united British Algeria and Venetian Numidia, and formed the Union of British Algeria, and focused on developing the region's infrastructure, education, and economy. British colonial policy sought to maintain stability and to foster cooperation among different ethnic and religious groups within Algeria.
French invasion during the Great War (1936)
As the Great War escalated, France (under the leadership of Camille Laframboise) saw an opportunity to expand its influence in North Africa and seized control of the Union of British Algeria between 1936 and 1938. During the occupation, the French administration aimed to take advantage of the region's resources and strategic position while also undermining British influence in the area. Due to pressure from the Numidian population, the French were compelled to administer Algeria and Numidia separately. The French faced significant challenges in their efforts to maintain control over Algeria, as local resistance movements and British-aligned forces actively opposed the occupation. The French occupation of Algeria was short-lived, ending with the conclusion of the Great War in 1939 and the return of the region to British control.
Road to independence
The growing nationalist sentiment and the global decolonization movement in the mid-20th century began to challenge British rule in Algeria. In response to these pressures, the British government eventually granted independence to Algeria and Numidia in 1955, marking the end of the British colonial era in the region.
Independent Algeria
In 1955, Algeria gained its independence from Britain as part of the broader wave of decolonization in Africa. The newly independent nation sought to establish its own political identity. Under their rule, Algeria transformed into a quasi-dictatorship following the ideology of National Republicanism with close ties to Russia and the International Republican Coalition.
Algerian-Numidian War (1957)
After being independent, Algeria claimed the neighboring country of Numidia as its own, viewing Numidia as a part of its historical territory, believing that the division of the lands during the colonial period was artificial and unjust. This led to an Algerian invasion in 1957. The conflict, known as the Algerian-Numidian War, was met with fierce resistance from the Numidian army. The Organization of Democratic Nations (ODN) condemned Algeria's actions, and a coalition of British and other allies intervened to repel Algerian forces from Numidia. The war ended in Algerian defeat. By 1958, the coalition established a demilitarized zone along the border between the two countries.
Following the war, Algeria continued to strengthen its ties with the IRC and Russia. The government maintained a strong grip on power, suppressing opposition and limiting political freedoms. Despite the authoritarian nature of the regime, Algeria remained an influential player in the region.
