The Eight-Day Strike, Shaking France to Its Core: How Algeria’s General Strike in 1957 Became a Defining Moment in the Fight for Independence

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 26th, 2025 — The eight-day general strike of 1957 marked a critical juncture in Algeria’s struggle for liberation, exposing the colonial regime’s vulnerability while thrusting the Algerian cause into the global spotlight. This act of defiance, orchestrated by the National Liberation Front (FLN), resonated far beyond Algeria’s borders, compelling the United Nations to address the colonial question with unprecedented urgency.

A Historic Call to Resistance
Spearheaded by the FLN’s Coordination and Execution Committee (CCE), the strike, spanning from January 28 to February 4, 1957, symbolized an extraordinary display of political consciousness and resilience by the Algerian people. Historian and journalist Amar Belkhodja underscores how, amidst the grueling 793rd day of armed resistance, this nationwide mobilization amplified Algeria’s quest for independence on the international stage.

At the time, the French colonial regime clung to the illusion that victory was imminent, repeatedly asserting that the war would end in “just a quarter of an hour.” Yet, this “quarter of an hour” dragged on for over five more years, as the colonial army’s scorched-earth tactics and mass reinforcements failed to suppress the unyielding Algerian spirit.

The Strike That United a Nation

The FLN meticulously organized the strike, issuing an impassioned call for unity and urging all sectors of society—workers, students, merchants, and professionals—to align behind the national cause. Local committees were established in every region to coordinate the effort, ensuring widespread participation and logistical preparedness. One month prior, citizens were advised to stockpile essential supplies, while FLN funds were allocated to support families affected by the strike’s economic repercussions.

The response was overwhelming. Across Algeria, every social and professional category adhered to the strike, defying the intense repression unleashed by the colonial forces. General Massu, tasked with quelling the strike, resorted to draconian measures, including forced reopenings of shops, public beatings, and mass arrests. Despite these brutalities, the strike held firm, demonstrating the Algerian people’s indomitable resolve and unwavering solidarity with the FLN.

An International Awakening

The strike’s impact rippled across borders, captivating global attention. Twenty-two journalists were dispatched to Algeria to report on the unfolding events, many lauding the Algerians’ courage and determination. The international press, both Arab and Western, unanimously recognized the strike’s success. This wave of solidarity culminated in a landmark resolution by the United Nations General Assembly on February 15, 1957, affirming Algeria’s right to self-determination and reinforcing the legitimacy of its independence struggle.

Belkhodja asserts that the eight-day strike was a testament to the Algerian people’s political maturity, their capacity for sacrifice, and their steadfast commitment to freedom. It not only exposed the fragility of the French colonial regime but also unified the nation around the FLN as its sole legitimate representative.

Merchants as Pillars of Resistance

Throughout the Revolution, Algerian merchants emerged as vital contributors to the liberation effort. Their shops became hubs of clandestine activity, facilitating communication, storing supplies, and financing the armed struggle. Many donated significant portions of their profits to procure weapons and essentials for the Moudjahidine, embodying Larbi Ben M’hidi’s famous maxim: “Throw the Revolution into the streets, and the people will embrace it.”

Merchants also leveraged their networks to establish efficient supply chains, ensuring the resistance’s survival despite harsh colonial repression. Strikes organized by merchants across cities like Tlemcen, Constantine, and Oran further exemplified their defiance. These actions intensified between 1956 and 1960, as merchants collectively refused to pay colonial taxes, undermining the French war machine.

A Legacy of Sacrifice and Triumph

The eight-day strike epitomized Algeria’s unyielding struggle for sovereignty, unifying all strata of society in an extraordinary act of defiance. Despite brutal repression, it showcased the Algerian people’s resilience, their capacity to endure hardship, and their steadfast pursuit of liberty. This historic moment not only weakened the colonial regime but also galvanized international support for Algeria’s fight for independence, solidifying its place in history as a powerful testament to collective resistance and national solidarity.

Support at a High Price: The Unyielding Contribution of Algerian Merchants to the Revolution

The 8-day strike from January 28 to February 4, 1957, remains one of the most iconic moments in Algeria’s struggle for independence, epitomizing the solidarity of Algerian merchants and the broader population with the FLN. This act of resistance not only displayed the unity of the Algerian people but also sent a powerful message to the world: a firm rejection of colonialism and a call for international attention to the cause.

However, the unwavering support of the merchants came at a heavy price. They faced severe reprisals: confiscation of property, imprisonment, and even summary executions. Despite these threats, their determination remained steadfast, driven by a deep sense of national duty to support the liberation effort.

The contribution of Algerian merchants to the Revolution is a glorious chapter in the country’s history, highlighting how each individual, regardless of their role, rallied behind the banner of freedom. Their collective struggle exemplifies the truth that independence is not only earned through armed resistance but also through daily sacrifices and the unwavering solidarity of a people determined to reclaim their dignity.

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