April 21, 1961 · Algiers and France Theater
April 21, 1961
Four retired French generals — Salan, Challe, Jouhaud, and Zeller — seized power in Algiers with the support of the 1st Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment, declaring they would keep Algeria French. De Gaulle, wearing his general's uniform, appeared on television to denounce the 'quarteron de généraux en retraite' (handful of retired generals) and ordered conscript soldiers not to obey their orders. Young soldiers listened to de Gaulle's address on their transistor radios, and the putsch collapsed after four days.
Commanders