Algerian War Commemoration: Tensions Between Generations and Memorial Groups
Download
Read an extract
Themes
Algerian War, commemoration, national memory, France, generations, memorial groups, harkis, pieds-noirs, reconciliation, peace
Reader
Abstract
Extract
of 2
Abstract
This document explores the complexities of commemorating the Algerian War in France, highlighting the tensions between generations and memorial groups. From the perspective of a law course, it delves into the sensitive topic of national memory and the struggle for recognition.
Extract
[...] Algerian War The commemoration of the Algerian War comes very late after the conflicts and independence of Algeria. It is only in the 2000s that this conflict is integrated into national memory with the adoption of a law text. The recognition of the Algerian War is finally made, but several memorial groups oppose it. A first memorial group wants to commemorate March 19 as a day of peace and reconciliation between the two countries. This group is composed mainly of former combatants. [...]
[...] However, the subject remains sensitive in French society and memories continue to clash. New generations oppose the old ones since they see Algeria's independence with a good eye and reject French colonialism. Young immigrant generations accuse France of not wanting to move on and of wanting to leave the subject taboo because of the absence of commemoration by France, which does not want to choose dates. The harkis and pieds-noirs contest the commemoration of March 19 because this date passes over the massacres perpetrated after the ceasefire. [...]
