Colonial Era

French Colonial Empire

1830 AD – 1913 AD · peak 1920 AD

The French colonial empire became the world's second largest by the late 19th century, with territories in Indochina and vast regions of Africa administered from Paris. Algeria was uniquely integrated as overseas départements, reflecting a policy of assimilation rather than mere protectorate status. The empire's reach was curtailed by the World Wars and subsequent independence conflicts, most notably the Algerian War of Independence ending in 1962.

Capital: Paris