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Algeria: The achievement of the French colonization (1847-1871)

Governor-General's flag (1848)
Pacification of Kabylia

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Governor-General's flag

by Jaume Ollé

General Pélissier (1794-1864) was appointed governor-General from 1848 to 1854. He used a standard with the French colors and the inscription (in Arabic), "Peace to those who submit - the sand for the unsubdued ones."

Source: Flaggenmitteilungen [fbn] #25.

Jaume Ollé, translated by Joe McMillan, 11 December 2001

Pacification of Kabylia

by Jaume Ollé

Kabylia, which had never been dominated by the Ottomans, was annexed. The first attacks were carried out by Bugeaud. In spite of his efforts, part of Kabylia, inhabited by the tribal confederation of Djurdjura, resisted several more years until it was overcome by General Random in 1857. A standard captured by the French on 20 June 1854 is red with the hand of Fatima and four crescents, one in each corner.

Jaume Ollé, translated by Joe McMillan, 11 Decembre 2001

Kabylia was definitively pacified in 1857, the Saharian areas in 1870.

In 1858, under the Second Empire, the Governor-General was suppressed and a Ministery for Algeria was created. Napoléon III would have prefered an "associated Arab kingdom", but his idea was rejected.

The decree of 29 March 1871 (Third Republic) appointed a civil Governor-General. The three departments of Algiers, Oran, and Constantine were created. The law of 24 December 1902 created the Southern Territories (Ain-Sefra, Ghardaia, Tougourt, Algerian Oasises).

The massive colonization started effectively in 1870. Several Alsatians and Lorrains who refused to remain in their country incorporated to Germany went to Algeria.

Ivan Sache, 11 December 2001