Ahmed Ben Bella

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ahmed Ben Bella

Role / Field:

Algerian revolutionary and politician who served as the first President of Algeria.

Born:

1916-12-25

Died:

2012-04-11

Century / Era:

1916s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Ahmed Ben Bella (Arabic: أحمد بن بلّة, romanized: Aḥmad bin Billah; 1916 – 11 April 2012) was an Algerian politician, soldier and revolutionary who served as the head of government of Algeria from 27 September 1962 to 15 September 1963 and then the first president of Algeria from 15 September 1963 until his overthrow on 19 June 1965. Ben Bella played an important role during the Algerian war of independence against France, leading the National Liberation Front (FLN), organizing the shipment of foreign weapons and coordinating political strategy from Cairo. Despite not being present in Algeria, the French regime attempted to murder him multiple times. Once Algeria gained independence in 1962, Ben Bella's Oujda Group seized power from Benyoucef Benkhedda's provisional government, and Ben Bella became prime minister of Algeria with Ferhat Abbas as acting president.

Key Developments & Impact

Ben Bella succeeded Ferhat Abbas on 15 September 1963 after rapidly sidelining him, and was elected president after winning an election with 99.6 percent of the votes. Ben Bella pursued Arab socialist and pan-Arabist policies and came to describe himself as a Nasserist. He nationalized several industries and established good...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1916 (1916-12-25): Birth of Ahmed Ben Bella — Algerian revolutionary and politician who served as the first President of Algeria.
2. 1962: 1962 Milestone — Once Algeria gained independence in 1962, Ben Bella's Oujda Group seized power from Benyoucef Benkhedda's provisional government, and Ben Bella became prime minister of Algeria with Ferhat Abbas as acting president.
3. 1963: 1963 Milestone — Ben Bella succeeded Ferhat Abbas on 15 September 1963 after rapidly sidelining him, and was elected president after winning an election with 99.
4. 2012 (2012-04-11): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ahmed Ben Bella passed away on 2012-04-11, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Ahmed Ben Bella

“I am a man of the people, and the people are my strength.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ahmed Ben Bella

True or False: “Ahmed Ben Bella was the primary leader of the National Liberation Front (FLN) throughout the entire Algerian War of Independence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Ben Bella played a crucial role and led the FLN, the struggle involved multiple factions and leaders, and his direct presence was often coordinated from outside Algeria.

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• 1916 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1916
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ahmed Ben Bella