The period of peace following the Treaty…
October 1839 CE
He plays down his political power, however, repeatedly declining the title of sultan and striving to concentrate on his spiritual authority.
The state he has created is broadly theocratic, and most positions of authority are held by members of the religious aristocracy; even the main unit of currency is named the muhammadiyya, after the Prophet.
He first military action had been to move south into the Sahara and at-Tijini.
Next, he had moved east to the valley of the Chelif and Titteri, but was resisted by the Bey of Constantine, Hajj Ahmed.
In other actions, he has demanded punishment of the Koulouglis of Zouatna for supporting the French.
By the end of 1838, his rule extended east to Kabylie, and south to Biskra, and to the Moroccan border.
He continued to fight at-Tijini and besieged his capital at Aïn Madhi for six months, eventually destroying it.
Another aspect of Abdelkader that helps him lead his fledgling nation is his ability to find and use good talent regardless of its nationality.
He employs Jews and Christians on his way to building his nation.
One of these wis Léon Roches.
His approach to the military is to have a standing army of two thousand men supported by volunteers from the local tribes.
He places in the interior towns, arsenals, warehouses, and workshops, where he stores items to be sold for arms purchases from England.
Through his frugal living (he lives in a tent), he teaches his people the need for austerity and through education teaches them concepts such as nationality and independence.
The peace ends when the Duc d'Orléans, ignoring the terms of the Treaty of Tafna, heads an expeditionary force that breaches the Iron Gates.
On October 15, 1839, Abd al-Qadir attacks the French as they are colonizing the Plains of Mitidja and routes the invaders.
In response the French will officially declare war on November 18, 1839.
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North Africa
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