NormanH Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 This is a classic French version of the end of the Algerian conflict:http://www.lefigaro.fr/vox/histoire/2016/03/18/31005-20160318ARTFIG00076-pourquoi-commemorer-la-guerre-d-algerie-le-19-mars-suscite-une-controverse.phpThere are still deep divisions in French society betweeb the pieds noirs some of whom, such of the Mayor of Béziers have risen to prominent positions but are still anchored in their vision in a way that is very unfamiliar in the UK, and others often from the left.This discussion is going on at the moment.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ventodue Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 A nasty, nasty period of French history. I can well understand the sense of betrayal and abandonment, and how it carries on down the generations."Je vous ai compris!"The choice of 19 March is worse than simply provocative. It smacks of a desire to be deliberately cruel and insulting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patf Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Another piece of history I know little about.I've just been reading that at the end of the war 2.5 million immigrants came to France (?1962) Pieds Noir, Muslims and Jews. Many of them were placed in poor conditions at Rivesaltes.Sounds familiar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Remember too that the Harkis were savagely attacked and murdered by the new Algerian government for, allegedly, siding with the French. I think that this is the anniversary of the beginning of their massacre, which Mr Hollande has ignored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ventodue Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 "La valise ou le cercueil..." was the choice offered to the pieds-noirs by certain Algerian nationalists.The first pieds-noirs who chose the valise rather than cercueil were classified as 'vacanciers' by the government when they arrived here. Most arrived with nothing, having been forced to leave all their worldly goods behind. Even their official papers, such as birth and marriage certificates, so important to do anything in France, were left in the ownership of the Algerian government. So they debarked with nothing, not even proof of identity or qualification, into a society which classed them as rich, pampered racists - even if most of them were actually simply 'bakers, butchers and candle-stick makers'.But, with the possible exception of the Harkis, no-one comes out well of the story. Not the pieds-noirs, not the French government, not the French army, not the French people, not the Algerian nationalists nor their government.No wonder France still has troubles dealing with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.