Why was the presence of settlers a sensitive issue in Algeria's independence struggle?

Correct answer: Settlers' land and political interests were linked with French rule

The direct answer is A: the settlers’ land and political interests were closely linked with French rule. Algeria was not treated by France in exactly the same way as many other colonies; a large European settler population lived there, and settlers held substantial land, economic privileges and political influence. They generally benefited from the colonial system, while most Muslim Algerians faced unequal political rights and social conditions. When the Algerian independence movement demanded self-rule, many settlers feared losing land, status and protection. This made the conflict particularly bitter and complicated negotiations about the future of Algeria. Option A is correct because it explains why the settlers became a central and sensitive issue. Option B is wrong because settlers strongly influenced politics and often opposed independence. Option C is wrong because Algeria did have a significant French and European settler presence. Option D is wrong because France did not grant independence immediately; a long and violent war followed, ending with the Evian Accords and independence in 1962. The struggle is associated with the FLN, French repression and settler resistance. Memory cue: Algeria—settlers, unequal rights, war, independence in 1962.