The Anniversary of the Revolution in Algeria takes place on November 1 every year. It is also known as the Red (Bloody) All Saints Day, coinciding with the Catholic day of remembrance for saints. This is so because it commemorates the start of the war of independence against France by the National Liberation Front (F.L.N.). Lots of lives were lost and many others were displaced from their homes. France won the conflict and regained control of the country, but the brutality which was used to achieve it further angered the Algerians and caused France to lose support in France and abroad. It ultimately led to Algeria gaining Independence from France on July 5, 1962.
History of Anniversary of the Revolution
The year 1830 marked the invasion of Algeria by the French who were led by Marshall Bugeaud, who then became the first Governor-General of Algeria. As with most invasions, it was violent with massacres, mass rapes, and other violent crimes which led to between 500,000 and one million, from approximately three million Algerians, being killed in the first three decades of the conquest, while the Fench lost about 95,000 people.
This then led to Algeria becoming a French military colony in 1834 and being separated into three departments; Alger, Constantine, and Oran. This development led to the settling of others in Algeria as it attracted some French, Spanish, Italians, Maltese, and other Europeans. Between 1852 and 1871, under the second empire, the Indigenous code (Code de l’indigénat) was implemented. The code, implemented exactly on July 14, 1865, allowed Muslims to apply for full French citizenship, but was met with resistance because it involved renouncing the right to be governed by sharia law in personal matters. The decree was, however, modified in 1870 to grant French nationality to Jews living in one of the three Algerian departments. In 1881 the Code de l’Indigénat made the discrimination official by creating penalties for indigenes and organizing the seizure or appropriation of their lands.
With all this happening, oppression continued over the years and led to 70 individual coordinated attacks on Police and Military targets across Algeria by the National Liberation Front (F.L.N.) to signal the start of the Algerian War on November 1, 1954. After eight years of fighting, it led to Algeria gaining its independence on July 5, 1962.
Anniversary of the Revolution timeline
Algeria is invaded by the French in 1834 with a lot of losses to both parties.
Algeria becomes a French military colony in 1834 and attracts settlers from France and other European countries.
The Algeria War starts and lasts for eight years.
The Algeria War ends, resulting in the Independence of Algeria from France
Anniversary of the Revolution FAQs
When is the Anniversary of the Revolution celebrated?
It is celebrated on November 1 every year.
Why is the Anniversary of the Revolution called Red All Saint’s Day?
The revolution started on November 1, which coincides with Christian All Saints Day.
How long did the Algerian war last?
The Algerian war lasted eight years, between 1954 and 1962.
How to Observe Anniversary of the Revolution
Visit burial sites in Algeria
Visit the sites of those who died in the war. This serves as a good way to remember and appreciate those who fought for freedom.
Educate others on the revolution
Educate others, especially children, on the Algerian war so they can learn more about history. This can lead to more empathy in the World especially seeing the number of lives that were lost.
Start a social media campaign
Start a social media campaign to raise awareness about the anniversary of the revolution in Algeria. Social media is a really powerful tool to help achieve this.
5 Important People In Algerian History
Khair ad Din
Khair ad-Din was a military commander of Algiers and is considered to be the founder of modern Algeria
Ferhat Abbas
He was a Muslim leader who in March 1943, presented the French administration with the Manifesto of the Algerian People that demanded an Algerian constitution that would guarantee immediate and effective political participation and legal equality for Muslims.
Ahmed Ben Bella
He was the first president of an independent Algeria and was overthrown in a military coup in 1965.
Houari Boumediène
He served as Algeria's Chairman of the Revolutionary Council from 1965 to 1976, and from then on as President of Algeria to his death in 1978.
Abdelaziz Bouteflika
He was elected President of Algeria in 1999 and ended his tenure in 2014.
Why Anniversary of the Revolution is Important
It appreciates heroes
The day is used to appreciate the heroes who fought for the freedom of the masses. Any chance to appreciate people like these should be taken.
It encourages empathy
Empathy is one of the strongest emotions that can be utilized to achieve world peace. Seeing the number of people who died in the struggle would encourage empathy.
It educates the children
Celebrating history is more than teaching it in class. The children and generations to come would be more able to grasp how important the day is when it is celebrated.
Anniversary of the Revolution dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
