The December 1960 demonstrations in Algiers: spontaneity and organisation of mass action

This article examines the mass demonstrations that rocked Algiers in December 1960, a major turning point in the Algerian Revolution that precipitated negotiations for independence. The (rather limited) scholarly discussions of these demonstrations centre on the question of whether they were spontaneous or organised. Instead of weighing in on either side of this debate, I use the events of December 1960 as an opportunity to unpack what we understand as 'spontaneous' and 'organised' collective action. I argue that the demonstrations were spontaneous insofar as they were not planned in advance. They were also organised on the ground through the deliberate and coherent actions of the inhabitants of Algiers. Drawing on interviews conducted with Algerians who participated in the demonstrations, this paper demonstrates that the Algerian 'masses' understood much more about the political dynamics of the war than they have been given credit for. They acted autonomously and purposefully to liberate themselves. The paper opens with an examination of demonstrators' reasons for participating in December 1960, their goals and tactics, and the role of the National Liberation Front (FLN) in these extraordinary mass demonstrations. This discussion of the spontaneous organising of the December 1960 demonstrations leads us to re-examine, in turn, our understanding of the FLN as an organisation.