Algeria's Independence: 5 July 1962 – After 7.5 Years of War

Algeria gained independence from France on 5 July 1962.

Key Timeline

• 1830: French invasion begins; Algeria becomes integral French territory (departments).
• 1954 (Nov 1): FLN (National Liberation Front) launches armed insurrection—Toussaint Rouge.
• 1956–57: Battle of Algiers; French counterinsurgency (torture, internment).
• 1958: De Gaulle returns; offers "peace of the brave" then self-determination.
• 1961 (Jan): Referendum in France & Algeria approves independence.
• 1962 (Mar 18): Évian Accords ceasefire.
• 1962 (Jul 1): Algerian referendum: 99.7% vote independence.
• 1962 (Jul 5): Formal independence proclaimed—coinciding with 132nd anniversary of French landing.

Cost

Estimated 300,000–1.5 million Algerian deaths; 25,000 French soldiers; 1 million+ European settlers (pieds-noirs) fled.

Algeria became a one-party socialist state under FLN; first president: Ahmed Ben Bella.