Determination on part of Algerian nationalists explains their success. Algerian resistance to French colonialism started way back in the 19th Century under Abdel Qader.

The topography of Algeria, characterised by a desert environment, intense drought and hot temperatures proved a problem to the French while the Algerians were used to it.

The hit and ran tactics employed by guerrillas weakened the French. They could attack French police posts, army stations, railway lines etc and run away into Mountains.

The role of women contributed to FLN's success. They acted as spies and Masons who carried medicine, passports and money to guerrillas.

The formation of Liberation movements led to success. After the failure of constitutional means e.g Ferhat Abbas's "Manifesto of the Algerian People", nationalists resorted to violence.

External support contributed to their success. Algerian nationalists received support from Abdel Nasser of Egypt who gave them political asylum, training bases, access to Radio Cairo, financial and military support.

Charismatic leadership contributed to success. The liberation struggle was under dynamic, flamboyant and courageous leaders

The rise of Charles de Gaulle. He rose to power in France on 1^st June 1958 and immediately introduced political reforms in Algeria and opened up peace talks with the FLN leaders.

The role of the Mass Media explains the success. Radio Cairo kept the masses in Algeria informed about the developments in Algeria, France and other parts of Africa.

The second World War contributed to the military success of the FLN.

Reforms in liberated areas contributed to the success of the liberation war.

The General Union of Algeria workers also contributed to success. In Algiers, this Union mobilized funds , food and medicine for both urban and rural guerrillas.

French brutality led to the success of the revolutionaries. The 8th May 1945 Setif killings, the 1956 executions and bombing of Kasbah Muslim flats, the 1958 bombings in which 68 people were killed and many wounded etc. led to determination amongst Algerians to end French brutality.

The French democratic reforms. After the Setif massacres, the French made some political reforms

The twin independence of Tunisia and Morocco. Algerians wondered why the French had granted independence to Morocco and Tunisia and not to Algeria.

Urbanisation. This brought various Muslims together and they learnt to bury their traditional differences. This unity led to success.

The writings of Frantz Fanon which catalysed the peoples' desire to fight led to success. He exposed the French evils which incited people to fight on to the end,

The role of Pan Africanists contributed to the success of revolutionaries in Algeria e.g In 1960, Kwame Nkrumah convinced the UNO that French colonialism in Algeria was in human.

War fatigue in France contributed to the success of Algerian nationalists.