The Algerian Revolution I (1954-65): Decolonization, Self-Management and Internationalism

Rob, Eric and Rudy delve into the Algerian revolution, tracing its roots back to French colonization, through the liberation war, and the Ben Bella period. This first part of the discussion on Algeria explores the 19th-century French settlement of Algeria and the various phases of colonization. It also examines the impact of Algerian labor migration to France and its role in the liberation war. We provide insights into the National Liberation Front (FLN), highlighting its different factions and also discuss key events during the war. We go on to analyze the Ben Bella era, shedding light on the myth of Algerian self-management and its failure to meet expectations. Additionally, the episode covers Ben Bella's economic and internationalist program, discussing both its achievements and shortcomings. We then explore the fault lines within Algerian leadership that ultimately led to Ben Bella's ousting in the 1965 coup d'etat by Boumédiène.

In part two we will discuss Algeria through Boumédiène's government, the Civil War and up to the present.

References: M. Bennoune - The Making of Contemporary Algeria: 1830-1987 J. J. Byrne - Mecca of Revolution: Algeria, Decolonization, and the Third World Order I. Clegg - Worker's Self Management in Algeria M. H. Davis - Markets of Civilization: Islam and Racial Capitalism in Algeria A. Horne - A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 E. R. Wolf - Peasant Wars of the Twentieth Century