Introduction

The Algerian War was a momentous struggle for independence from France by Algerian nationalists between 1954 and 1962. 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. It was the last of the old style “colonial struggles” and the first of what would become the widespread wars of decolonisation. It also marked the first practical application of what we today call counter-insurgency.

Outline of Episode 5

The next year, de Gaulle’s government began secret peace negotiations with the National Liberation Front (FLN). On 03 July 1962 de Gaulle declared Algeria an independent country. The Algerian War had ended, the flight of a million French Algerians to France, however, had just begun.

The Algerian War, 1954-1962 Series

• Episode 01: Road to Rebellion.
• Episode 02: A Question of Conscience.
• Episode 03: I Understand You.
• Episode 04: To the Barricades.
• Episode 05: The Suitcase or the Coffin.

Production & Filming Details

• Creator: Peter Batty.
• Narrator: Jim Norton.
• Released Date: 1984 (UK).
• Production: A Peter Batty Production for Channel Four in Association with RTBF.
• Running time: 52 minutes per episode (280 minutes, total running time for all 5 parts).
• Country: UK.
• Language: English and French.

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