In what ways were the independence movements in Algeria and Vietnam

similar?

A. Both countries achieved independence after a lengthy war.

O

B. Both countries revolted violently against French oppressors.

O

C. Both countries exploited a weakened France after World War I.

D. Both countries attempted peaceful protest but turned to violence.

The correct answer is letter B

In the 19th century, the neo-colonialist wave impelled the French to undertake the domination of Algerian territory. Using weak justifications related to the action of pirates in the region and respect for their authorities, the French government developed the invasion of Algeria in 1830. Already at that moment, the resistance of the local population imposed a delicate situation of conflict that only came to be stabilized from 1848.

Throughout the colonization process, we observed that settlers from several European nations occupied the northern region of Algeria in search of the fertile land available in that space. The process of expropriation of the natives imposed the first differentiation between Algerians and Europeans, who were usually called "black feet" due to the quality of the lands they conquered.

During their stay in control of Algeria, the French co-opted the local elites by offering important leadership positions and opening the door of their educational institutions to the children of that elite. Over time, this European-educated elite organized a political discourse opposed to the French presence in Algerian territory. It was from there that the independence process took its first steps.

Resisting the strengthening of this autonomist movement, France decided to grant, in 1947, the extension of French citizenship to all Algerians and to allow Muslims to also hold public office. Despite the action, that same year was marked by the founding of the National Liberation Front (FLN), which fueled the realization of a struggle for the independence of the Algerian people.

Between the years 1954 and 1955, the independence movement ended up feeding several situations of conflict that took advantage of the French defeat in the Vietnam War and the support of international opinion. Initially, the French government tried to resist the situation by making arbitrary arrests, tortures and actions of a terrorist nature. However, through resistance, President Charles de Gaulle accepted Algerian independence by signing a term that recognized Algeria's political sovereignty in 1962.

From then on, Algeria became the Democratic People's Republic of Algeria and its president-elect Ahmed Bem Bella. Founded on socialist principles, the new government has the unique participation of the National Liberation Front as a political party. Even today, political disputes and misery hinder the development of this North African nation.