The French Version of the Algerian War

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how the article "French Memories of Algeria," illustrates how France has not fully come to terms with its history of colonization in North Africa, specifically Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The paper explains that France's memories of the Algerian war will always remain somewhat conflicted, especially when new confessions of torture come to light about the French army's rule over the area.
The paper contends that in this article, modernization and secularism, along with romanticism, is seen as a defense for at least some of what was done to Algeria, even though the author states he despises the use of torture upon the native population.

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From the Paper:

"The article "French memories of Algeria," published in May 2003 in the Contemporary Review illustrates how France has come to terms and not come to terms with its history of colonization in North Africa, specifically Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Algeria is given special attention, however, given the affection that many Frenchmen who came of age during the 1950s and 1960s feel for that nation. The author Barrett Singer analogizes this sense of nostalgia to America's gradual acceptance of its legacy in Vietnam and the need to honor its Vietnam veterans. Singer states that at first, French people turned against the men who fought in Algiers as torturers. Then, the French people began to engage in some efforts to commend the French soldier's bravery for their homeland, although not the cause of colonialism."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Singer, Barrett. "French memories of Algeria." Contemporary Review. May 2003. 6 Mar 2006. < http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2242/is_1648_282/ai_102747650/pg_1>

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