Reasons Behind the French Occupation of Algeria
Prior to the French occupation, Algeria was a nation characterized by strength, prosperity, and organization across all sectors, both domestic and international. European countries were wary of its influence and power, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria also maintained active foreign trade relations with various European nations and played a significant role in diverse fields including industry, agriculture, and culture.
Several factors propelled France toward the occupation of Algeria, a plan it had been considering since 1792. This ambition stemmed from France’s desire to eliminate British dominance in the Mediterranean while recognizing Algeria’s strategic importance. The key reasons can be summarized as follows:
Political Motivations
The Algerian government was under the Ottoman Empire, which was in a state of decline at that time. European nations were eagerly looking for an opportunity to seize Ottoman territories. Additionally, France believed it could benefit from the substantial wealth estimated at 150 million francs held in the dey’s treasury.
Military Factors
France’s military defeat in Europe, particularly its loss in Egypt and subsequent withdrawal due to British forces in 1801, prompted Napoleon Bonaparte to send one of his officers to Algeria. The aim was to devise a military strategy that would enable the establishment of French protectorates in North Africa, extending from Morocco to Egypt.
Economic Interests
France harbored economic ambitions regarding Algeria’s wealth and natural resources. The accumulation of unpaid debts, driven by grain imports from France, further motivated the French to occupy Algeria. The French commercial consul highlighted these concerns in a letter to the French government, asserting:
“The material benefits that France stands to gain from the conquest of Algeria – aside from the millions of gold francs in the Algerian treasury – far surpass any economic invasions in its history. There are incredibly fertile plains, rich iron and lead mines, and mountains filled with minerals waiting to be extracted.”
Religious Aspirations
France expressed a desire to spread Christianity in Africa, beginning with Algeria. In this context, the French Minister of War mentioned in a report sent to King Charles X of France, “Divine providence has destined your majesty, through your consul, to confront the arch enemies of Christianity. It may not be by mere chance that Louis’s son is ‘the pious’ to seek vengeance for religion and humanity. Perhaps time will bless us with the opportunity to begin spreading civilization and evangelizing the people.”
In light of this, France viewed itself as the protector of the Catholic Church, highlighting the religious element of its invasion as evident in the roles played by clergy during the occupation of Algeria.
Eradicating Maritime Piracy
During this period, piracy was rampant across several nations, including Spain, Portugal, and France. European pirates committed brutal acts, mistreating their captives, while Algerian sailors targeted ships from countries hostile to Algeria. Therefore, they cannot be categorized as mere pirates, as their actions were legitimate acts of defense aimed at protecting their national waters.
Favorable International Circumstances
The conducive conditions at that time included:
- The defeat of the Turkish fleet near the Greek port of Navarino during the Greek War of Independence in 1827.
- Tsar Nicholas I’s acceptance of the campaign against Algeria to weaken Ottoman power in the Mediterranean, thus facilitating navigation.
- The similar stance taken by the King of Prussia.
- The lack of opposition from Northern European countries.
The Occupation of Algeria
France commenced a full military occupation of Algeria in July 1830, following fierce and intense resistance from the Turkish garrison and local populations. The details of this event and its implications have been extensively documented in various publications, particularly in French literature, which acknowledges the brutal actions undertaken by the French army during that period.