ALGERIA: The Rich Nation
Algeria has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. Here's a concise overview:
1. Ancient History (before 5th century BC):
- Indigenous Berber people inhabited the region.
- Carthaginians and Romans established settlements in what is now Algeria.
- The city of Timgad, known as "The Pompeii of North Africa," was founded by Emperor Trajan in 100 AD.
AdsAD.
2. Islamic Conquest (7th century):
- Arab Muslim armies conquered Algeria in the 7th century, spreading Islam and the Arabic language.
3. Ottoman Rule (16th-19th century):
- Algeria became a part of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, with Algiers as a major center.
- The region was known for piracy, which led to conflicts with European powers.
4. French Colonization (19th century):
- In 1830, France invaded Algeria, beginning a brutal colonial rule.
- The indigenous population endured significant oppression and land confiscation.
5. War of Independence (1954-1962):
- The National Liberation Front (FLN) launched a protracted war against French colonial rule.
- Algeria gained independence in 1962 after the Evian Accords.
6. Modern Algeria (1962-present):
- Ahmed Ben Bella became Algeria's first president.
- A single-party system was established, with the FLN as the dominant party.
- In the 1980s, economic reforms and a multi-party system were introduced.
- The 1990s saw a civil war between the government and Islamist militants.
- Abdelaziz Bouteflika served as president from 1999 to 2019, amidst allegations of corruption.
- Protests erupted in 2019, leading to Bouteflika's resignation.
Algeria remains a diverse nation with a rich blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences. Its history is marked by struggles for independence, political change, and economic challenges.