Battles & Campaigns · 1835
Battle of Macta
Macta marshes, Algeria
What happened
Algerian forces of Emir Abdelkader fought a French column under General Camille Trézel. France had invaded Algeria, and Abdelkader had been chosen in 1832 to lead the resistance. A French column of about 2,500 men marched through swampy ground near the Macta River. Algerian horsemen and tribal fighters attacked from the front, sides and rear, and the French force broke apart.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a major French defeat early in the conquest of Algeria and Abdelkader's first big success. It shocked the public in France.
What came next
The French commanders were dismissed. In 1837 the Treaty of Tafna gave Abdelkader control of much of Algeria's interior.
Did you know?
In 1846, settlers in Iowa named their town Elkader in honour of Abdelkader.
Timeline
- 22 November 1832Abdelkader is chosen to lead the resistance.
- 28 June 1835Abdelkader wins at Macta.
- 30 May 1837The Treaty of Tafna is signed.
- 23 December 1847Abdelkader surrenders.
- 1860Abdelkader shelters Christians during violence in Damascus.