378. Algerian Revolution: The Battle of Algiers (Ep 3)
Summary
Hosts Anita Arnhem and William Drupal explore the Algerian War of Independence, beginning with the FLN’s 1954 attacks and the subsequent Philippeville massacre that radicalized the population. The episode details the FLN’s restructuring under Ramdane Abane and its shift to urban warfare in Algiers, highlighting the pivotal role of female bombers like Zohra Drif. It also examines the French response, including brutal reprisals and the international outcry over the torture of captured fighters like Djamila Bouhired.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Empire Club promotion
The Night of Blood: November 1, 1954 attacks
FLN structure, recruitment, and brutality
French reaction and Mitterrand's 'Algeria is France'
Life in rural Algeria and the fence-sitting majority
The Philippeville massacre and French reprisals
The Soummam Conference and hijacking of FLN leaders
Abane Ramdane's reorganization of the FLN
The Battle of Algiers begins: Urban warfare
Female bombers and the Milk Bar attack
Jamila Bouhired's torture and international outcry
French military response and episode conclusion
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