The Conquest of Algiers.

REIGN of Charles X, France, 1824-1830; IMPERIALISM; INTERNATIONAL economic relations; INTERNATIONAL relations

ALGIERS (Algeria); ALGERIAReport Available

This article describes how France became caught up in an unexpectedly complicated imperial adventure in 1830. France's association with Algiers arose from her interest in both the North African littoral trade and the direct trade, mostly through Marseilles. Relations between France and Algiers had been continuous but not always harmonious. In 1827 the French consul in Algiers was Pierre Deval. The steps that led from the trading of some relatively trivial diplomatic insults to invasion and occupation were slow and haphazard and it is unlikely that either party foresaw or intended the eventual outcome. By 1829 the issue of Algiers had begun to feature in parliamentary debates but usually in the context of more general criticism of royal policy rather than any clear declaration of what should happen there. An unopposed landing in June was followed by a skirmish at Staouli and, on July 5, by the capture of Algiers after a short siege, the cost to France in terms of casualties was about 3,000 dead and wounded.