One of the definitions for colonialism stated in Webster's dictionary is: "control by one power over a dependent area or people." Many people would not agree to that definition, especially people of previously colonized nations. Some consider colonialism to be more exploitation than anything else. Throughout history, developed countries have taken advantage of lesser developed ones. Colonization was one way this was achieved. France has succeeded in colonizing many nations, most of which were in the continent of Africa. Algeria was one of the countries under French rule. France and Algeria have had the .
In 1830, France took over Algeria. It was the first significant French colonial territory in Africa. The dey of Algiers had struck and called the French consul names. In response, Charles X, the French king at the time sent his army to occupy the town of Algiers. This was initially intended as just an act of revenge, but while occupying, the French decided to continue their expansion into Africa in order to increase French prestige. .
Furthermore, the French colonialists came to think of their sphere of influence "as mere province overseas.".
The idea of spreading civilization soon became the official reason for remaining in Algeria and for further colonial acquisitions. In fact, "mission civilisatrice" as it soon came to be known in France, was intended to spread French culture, thereby increasing French influence abroad.
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The colonies in North Africa which included Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia were considered more prominent than the French colonies in Sub-Saharan or "Black" Africa. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why when the Algerians demanded their independence, .
France fought until the bitter end. .
Soon after colonizing it, France began to establish its policies in Algeria. One of the policies which was heavily pursued was "assimilation". The ideal of assimilation was also based upon the concept previously mentioned, mission civilisatrice.