Final answer:
The Franco-Algerian crisis was based on the resistance against French colonialism and the harsh policies imposed by French authorities such as le système Bugeaud. It led to a protracted conflict involving guerrilla warfare and atrocities committed by both sides, culminating in Algerian independence in 1962.
Step-by-step explanation:
The crisis between France and Algeria had its roots in a series of confrontations and incidents reflecting the tensions of French colonial rule. Following World War II, the Algerian People's Manifesto was published in 1943, highlighting the resistance against French imperialism. Events reached a flashpoint on VE Day in 1945, when a celebration by Muslim Algerians turned into violence after clashes with French police. This was soon followed by escalated attacks on both sides, leading to high casualty numbers, which included the brutal repression of peaceful protests and massacres of both European settlers and Algerians.
Prompted by the French colonial policies such as le système Bugeaud, which inflicted severe damage on the Arab community and its resource base, as well as the desire for self-determination, Algerians continued to seek independence. The turmoil persisted into the 1950s, epitomized by the National Liberation Front (FLN)'s guerrilla warfare and terrorist tactics, which took inspiration from France's loss of French Indochina, and led to significant French military involvement in Algeria. The protracted conflict eventually resulted in Algerian independence in 1962 after years of warfare, resulting in over a million pieds noirs, European-descended settlers, departing the country.