---
title: "Algerian War Independence Achieved"
year: 1962
country: "Algeria"
canonical: "https://recap.at/1962/algerian-war-independence"
slug: "algerian-war-independence"
recapType: "global_event"
startDate: "1962-07-01"
---

# Algerian War Independence Achieved

> After eight years of brutal conflict, Algeria secured independence from France, delivering a watershed victory for anti-colonial movements across Africa and Asia.

On July 1, 1962, Algerian voters overwhelmingly approved independence from France in a referendum, with 99.72% voting in favor. The result formalized the end of 132 years of colonial rule and came after a brutal eight-year war that killed an estimated 1 million people.

## Summary

An independence referendum was held in French Algeria on 1 July 1962. It followed French approval of the Évian Accords in an April referendum. Voters were asked whether Algeria should become an independent state, co-operating with France; 99.72% voted in favour with a voter turnout of 91.88%.

## Key facts

- **Referendum Date**: July 1, 1962
- **Yes Vote Share**: 99.72%
- **Voter Turnout**: 91.88%
- **Years of Colonial Rule**: 132
- **Duration of Algerian War**: 8 years (1954–1962)
- **French Approval Referendum**: April 1962
- **Governing Framework**: Évian Accords

## Timeline

- **1954-11-01** - Algerian War Begins
  Armed conflict erupts as the National Liberation Front (FLN) launches attacks against French colonial administration and military installations.
- **1962-03-18** - Évian Accords Signed
  France and the FLN sign a ceasefire agreement in Évian-les-Bains, establishing terms for Algerian independence and halting active hostilities.
- **1962-04-08** - France Approves Independence
  French voters approve the Évian Accords in a referendum, giving the French government mandate to proceed with Algerian independence.
- **1962-07-01** - Algerian Independence Referendum
  Algerian voters overwhelmingly approve independence with 99.72% voting in favor and 91.88% turnout, formally ending French colonial rule.
- **1962-07-03** - Algeria Declared Independent
  Algeria is officially declared an independent nation following the referendum results.

## Impact

Algeria's independence in 1962 redrew the map of North Africa and set a precedent for decolonization across Africa and beyond. The referendum's near-unanimous result gave the new nation strong legitimacy, though the transition came after France had already accepted the inevitable through the Évian Accords in April.

## Sources

- [Algerian independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1962_Algerian_independence_referendum) - Wikipedia

---
Canonical: https://recap.at/1962/algerian-war-independence