# Algerian War begins (1954)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1954-algerian-war-begins
Location: Algeria
Categories: battle, main-event

FLN attacks opened a brutal conflict over Algerian independence. Within the broader Occupation, Liberation & Fourth Republic period, Defeat in 1940 divided France between Vichy, occupation and resistance. Liberation restored republican government, followed by reconstruction, welfare-state building, European integration and violent decolonization under the Fourth Republic. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is René Coty (President of the French Republic). Algerian War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Algerian War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [René Coty](https://history-france.com/rulers/rene-coty)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Algerian War begins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Algerian+War+begins&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Algerian War begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Algerian+War+begins)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)