Lakhasly

The Algerian National Movement
The term "national movement" refers to an organized and continuous
public or secret action that usually takes the form of a comprehensive political
or reform program. "Nationalism" refers to the principles and ideas adopted by a
people who have been subjected to colonialism in order to regain their
sovereignty and rights that were taken away from them by the foreign occupier.
The movement usually takes the form of political struggle and peaceful
resistance in order to achieve independence.
Historical Evidence of Algerian Statehood:
If we go back to the evidence and clues, they all indicate that the Algerian state
existed long before the French invasion of the country. It was represented by the
people and in the person of the ruler, in the geographical borders of the country,
in the diwan of political relations, and in diplomacy between Algeria and most
countries. It was also represented in the language, religion, and shared history,
and above all, in the deep and strong sense of the people of the idea of one
nation.
The Impact of Colonialism:
However, this sense was not clearly visible due to the general cultural deficit
and the lack of sufficient political awareness of the idea of one nation among
Algerians. If colonialism had any merit in this regard, it lies in its ability to
revive and awaken that awareness among Algerians of the concept of nation and
homeland.
Debunking Colonialist Claims:
In light of the above, all the claims and justifications presented by the colonizer
regarding the non-existence of the Algerian nation and state at the time of the
occupation are weak and incorrect. The aim of the colonizer behind promoting
such claims was to erase the identity and personality of the Muslim Algerian
people. It is worth noting at this point that some French writers were from the
beginning at odds with their government on this issue.
French Testimonies:
Among these writers was one of the most important Kabyles of Algeria who
lived during the period of French occupation and was one of the first pioneers to
defend the nation and homeland. One of his most important works is the book
"The Mirror", which was a petition he presented to the French Parliament and
government in 1833.For example, the historian Paul Gavarrel wrote on several occasions that France
was fighting in Algeria a nation driven by religion, patriotism, and history. The
historian André Julien also pointed out in his writings to the fact that the
Algerians are the most people attached to the land and religion. He believes that
it is the occupation that caused the growth of fanaticism among Algerians.
The Legitimacy of the Algerian Nation:
The French minister Thiers stated in his remarks in 1836 that Emir Abdelkader
is the only legitimate representative of the Algerian nation. As for General
Demichel, who negotiated with Emir Abdelkader in February 1834, he stated
before the French Parliament that Algeria, despite its occupation by force,
remains subject to Emir Abdelkader. He is, in the opinion of most Algerians, the
only representative of legitimacy without dispute, and he is, in their opinion, the
only one capable of reviving the modern Algerian state.
From the foregoing, we can confirm that a large number of French people
were convinced from the early days of the occupation that Algeria was a fully
sovereign state. However, the existence of another party that was fanatical about
the view that there was no Algerian state at the time of the occupation was the
dominant party that controlled the work of the government. This party was
pushing for further expansion in the occupation of the land.