Because of Algeria's unique status as an integral part of France, which cut it off from undercurrents of Arab nationalism in the outside world more than its neighbours, one cannot easily state — as with other colonial territories — at what precise point a "resistance movement" began. In broad terms, three separate strands of Algerian nationalism have been defined, each identified with a particular leader. There was the religious movement, as embodied by the Association des Ulema of Sheikh Abdulhamid Ben Badis; the revolutionaries following Messali Hadj; and finally the liberals of Ferhat Abbas.

DEFINE: Identifies the three strands of Algerian nationalism: religious (Ben Badis's Ulema), revolutionary (Messali Hadj), and liberal (Ferhat Abbas).

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 108