ABSTRACT
The colonial policy of primitive accumulation of capital created the material conditions for the development of indigenous incipient classes. The latter's interests were both predicated upon and mediated by the political moves of the colonial administration. By expropriating the Algerians, the colonists relegated them to a subsistence economy, while at the same time holding up to them the promise of political participation. After the last insurrection led by Bou Amama in 1881, disapproval of the French colonial policy was expressed in a peaceful fashion through the available channels. The first expression of political interests came in the early 1900's from the "Young Algerians," who, inspired by the "Young Turks," were eager to revamp Islam with French culture. The early 1920's were marked by a drought and increased economic difficulties which led to famine and a quickened pace of immigration to France. As a result, political opposition took on a new character.
