The Algerian War, also known as the Algerian Revolution, was a decolonisation war of 1954-1962. In 1834, Algeria became a French military colony and by the mid-20th century enthusiasm for autonomy and self-rule was growing. In 1954, Algeria’s National Liberation Front (FLN) created an armed wing to engage in a struggle against French authorities. After major demonstrations in Algiers in favour of independence, and a UN resolution recognising this right, France opened negotiations with the FLN resulting in Algerian independence from France and the collapse of the Fourth French Republic.

A peace treaty was signed in March 1962, but tensions among Algerian leaders increased. The principal leader of the War of Independence against France, Ahmed Ben Bella, became president later that year, and army officer Houari Boumedienne became vice president. In 1965, Boumedienne instigated a coup against Ben Bella, installing himself as president.