To what Extent was torture successful during the Algerian War?
Total Words: 1993
Table of Contents
A.Plan of Investigation………………………………………………….. 3
B.Summary of Evidence………………………………………………… 4-6
C.Evaluation of Sources……………………………………………….... 7-8
D.Analysis …………………………………………………………….... 8-10
E.Conclusion……………………………………………………………. 11
F.Bibliography………………………………………………………….. 12
A. Plan of the Investigation This investigation will assess to what extent was torture successful during the Algerian War? The investigation will connect both the successes and the failures of torture. This question is important because it will distinguish the positive and negative effects of torture during a war of colonialism between the French and the Algerians. Evidence …show more content…
It was extremely effective in "fighting against the FLN and ALN" (Horne, 1977) that It lead to Less victims: "As soon as a criminal [is] caught in the act, it [is essential] that he speaks spontaneously, if possible, or be persuaded to disclose anything that would make it possible to avoid a renewed massacre of innocents" (Branche, 2007) and the French's victory in the 'Battle of Algiers' which is why it was encouraged by high ranking French officials (Branche, 2007). According to Edward Behr, a torturer during the Algerian war "without torture the F.L.N.'s terrorist network would never have been overcome...The 'Battle of Algiers' could not have been won by General Massu without the use of torture." (Horne, 1977). Torture was not only considered effective due to the fact that it "...instils fear in others." (Blakeley, 2007) but "... it's a legitimate tool..." (Blakeley, 2007) or in other words it is not in any way or form illegal. There are even "...According to certain medical opinion which I was given, the water-pipe method, if used as outlined above, involves no risk to the health of the victim." (Horne, …show more content…
As Evans stated in his book, torture made the FLN stronger. For every person the French either captured or killed more people, would join its ranks (Evans, 2012). Some Historians however such as Horne have multiple views of torture during the Algerian War. In his book, 'A Savage War of peace:Algeria 1954-1962' Horne states that "torture is a double-edged weapon" meaning that torture may have helped France militarily but it damaged it's international status as a "Peaceful Country" (Branche, 2007). There are even generals that have admitted that the ineffectiveness of torture during the Algerian war: "... torture had served no useful or necessary intelligence purpose in overcoming terrorism, but had turned most of the Algerian population against the French, pushing them into the arms of the Front de Liberation National." (Blakeley, 2007). There are numerous historians, such as Rejali even believe that "torture is the expression of racial hatred" (Rejali, 2007). Torture also leads to mass murders, according to Blakely, Once torture spirals out of control, it can lead to mass murders such as " ...during the French Revolution; in Stalinist Russia; under the Nazis; in Communist China…" (Blakeley, 2007). One example being the infamous 'battle of Algiers' where there were more than 3000 casualties in a one year period (Evans,
Total Words: 1993
Table of Contents
A.Plan of Investigation………………………………………………….. 3
B.Summary of Evidence………………………………………………… 4-6
C.Evaluation of Sources……………………………………………….... 7-8
D.Analysis …………………………………………………………….... 8-10
E.Conclusion……………………………………………………………. 11
F.Bibliography………………………………………………………….. 12
A. Plan of the Investigation This investigation will assess to what extent was torture successful during the Algerian War? The investigation will connect both the successes and the failures of torture. This question is important because it will distinguish the positive and negative effects of torture during a war of colonialism between the French and the Algerians. Evidence …show more content…
It was extremely effective in "fighting against the FLN and ALN" (Horne, 1977) that It lead to Less victims: "As soon as a criminal [is] caught in the act, it [is essential] that he speaks spontaneously, if possible, or be persuaded to disclose anything that would make it possible to avoid a renewed massacre of innocents" (Branche, 2007) and the French's victory in the 'Battle of Algiers' which is why it was encouraged by high ranking French officials (Branche, 2007). According to Edward Behr, a torturer during the Algerian war "without torture the F.L.N.'s terrorist network would never have been overcome...The 'Battle of Algiers' could not have been won by General Massu without the use of torture." (Horne, 1977). Torture was not only considered effective due to the fact that it "...instils fear in others." (Blakeley, 2007) but "... it's a legitimate tool..." (Blakeley, 2007) or in other words it is not in any way or form illegal. There are even "...According to certain medical opinion which I was given, the water-pipe method, if used as outlined above, involves no risk to the health of the victim." (Horne, …show more content…
As Evans stated in his book, torture made the FLN stronger. For every person the French either captured or killed more people, would join its ranks (Evans, 2012). Some Historians however such as Horne have multiple views of torture during the Algerian War. In his book, 'A Savage War of peace:Algeria 1954-1962' Horne states that "torture is a double-edged weapon" meaning that torture may have helped France militarily but it damaged it's international status as a "Peaceful Country" (Branche, 2007). There are even generals that have admitted that the ineffectiveness of torture during the Algerian war: "... torture had served no useful or necessary intelligence purpose in overcoming terrorism, but had turned most of the Algerian population against the French, pushing them into the arms of the Front de Liberation National." (Blakeley, 2007). There are numerous historians, such as Rejali even believe that "torture is the expression of racial hatred" (Rejali, 2007). Torture also leads to mass murders, according to Blakely, Once torture spirals out of control, it can lead to mass murders such as " ...during the French Revolution; in Stalinist Russia; under the Nazis; in Communist China…" (Blakeley, 2007). One example being the infamous 'battle of Algiers' where there were more than 3000 casualties in a one year period (Evans,