Channel 4 - The Algerian War 1954-1962 (1984) Part 1 Road to Rebellion

The Algerian War was a momentous struggle for independence from France by Algerian nationalists between 1954 and 1962. Unique historic footage has been gathered from both sides, much of it never before seen. The cameras were free to roam in both countries and many of the interviewees speak frankly for the first time of their role in the struggle. This eight-year conflict caused the fall of six French Prime Ministers and eventually the collapse of the Fourth Republic. It returned Charles de Gaulle to power but also almost saw his demise and twice brought civil strife to mainland France, and the fear of a military coup. It resulted in the deaths of at least one million Algerians and the exodus of as many European settlers. Pitiless terror, monstrous cruelty, flagrant torture, indiscriminiate violence was countenanced by both sides. It was the last of the old style “colonial struggles” and the first of what would become the widespread wars of decolonization. It also marked the first practical application of what we today call counter-insurgency.

Part 1 Road to Rebellion

Traces the French domination of Algeria, its subsequent colonization, and the rise of Algerian nationalism in the 1920s. By the 1950s, nationalist movements were becoming increasingly radicalized, and the stage was set for the beginning of the Algerian War.

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