National Revolution Day (Tunisia)
National Revolution Day, celebrated on January 18 in Tunisia, commemorates the country's struggle for self-determination and independence from French colonial rule, which was achieved in 1956. This day, also referred to as Remembrance Day, marks significant historical milestones, including the establishment of the Tunisian Republic in 1957. Tunisia became a French protectorate in 1881 through the Treaty of Kasser Said but faced ongoing resistance from nationalist movements like the Young Tunisians and the Destour Party, which later evolved into the Neo-Destour under the leadership of Habib Bourguiba.
Despite periods of political unrest, particularly during World War II, the push for independence gained momentum, eventually leading to Tunisia’s recognition as an independent nation on March 20, 1956. Following independence, Habib Bourguiba emerged as the first leader of Tunisia, transitioning the country from a monarchy to a republic. National Revolution Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom and the establishment of a sovereign state, celebrated with various events that reflect national pride and unity.
On this Page
National Revolution Day (Tunisia)
National Revolution Day (Tunisia)
In the Republic of Tunisia, January 18 is National Revolution Day, honoring the 20th-century struggle for self-determination, independence from France in 1956, and the formation of the republic in 1957. Revolution Day is also known as Remembrance Day.
The French had designs on Tunisia as early as 1834 when they took the much larger neighboring territory of Algeria into their colonial empire. They found a pretext to invade Tunisia in 1881 and forced the bey, the local ruler, to sign the Treaty of Kasser Said, also known as the Bardo Treaty, which made Tunisia a French protectorate.
The French never successfully crushed Tunisian opposition to their rule, however, and nationalist groups, including the Young Tunisians and the Destour (Constitutional) Party, grew more widespread. The Destour Party disbanded in 1925 but reformed as the Neo-Destour in 1934 under the leadership of the patriot Habib Bourguiba, who continued to work for independence even after the party was forced to dissolve in 1938.
The Tunisians cooperated with the Vichy government during World War II but paid for it after the war when the French arrested hundreds they alleged were fascist sympathizers and deposed the bey in power for collaborating with the Nazis. These acts further fueled the spirit of rebellion against the French government. Riots and political unrest continued to characterize the postwar era, and by the early 1950s the French were willing to give Tunisia considerable autonomy. Due to pressure from Bourguiba and the other nationalists, the Tunisians were granted independence in 1956. On March 20, 1956, France formally recognized Tunisian independence and declared the Treaty of Kasser Said to be null and void. Tunisia was admitted to the United Nations later that year. Bourguiba became the new nation's first leader, and the old puppet regime of the bey was abolished in 1957 in favor of a republic.