Arab nationalism is not a monolithic construct. In the case of Algeria, the nationalist period undoubtedly played a significant role in determining the nature of its nationalist movement, its foundational principles and the nature of the future independent country. It was during the nationalist period that disputes regarding the colonial order, autonomy versus independence and the definition of Algerian identity emerged.
The anti-colonial revolution occurred after a long period of gestation, the result of a combination of people's spontaneous initiative, the action of forces fed by new or existing ideas and the influence of the international context.
This article provides an overview of Algerian nationalism-including both Arab and Berber nationalisms-from the 1920s to the 1950s, identifying parties, leaders and currents of thought.