Property In Algeria During The Third French Republic (1904-1973)

Abstract

The importance of this historical study lies in the fact that it covers an aspect of French colonial history in Algeria, namely the conflict over land ownership. In this study, I aim to illustrate the policies of the French colonial administration in relation to land ownership in Algeria, particularly during the second phase of the French occupation - the transition from military to civilian rule. This includes detailing the various means used by the colonial authorities to seize Algerian land and to justify their claim as the legitimate heirs of the Turkish authority. The study discusses the legal arsenal and the various decisions aimed at controlling Algerian lands, whether they were crown lands, royal lands or other types of lands that existed in Algeria at the time, and attempts to transfer ownership from Algerians to the French authorities and finally to Europeans to become their property. This process is seen as a vital artery of colonial expansion. It is therefore essential to shed light on the French policy of property ownership in Algeria and its consequences during the period of the Third French Republic (1870-1940).