The May 8, 1945 Uprising in Kherrata Through a Secret Report: " Émeute de Kerrata, May 9, 1945 " A Critical Historical Study of the Colonial Security Report

Abstract

This study analyzes a secret French colonial security report on the events of Kherrata on 9 May 1945, a major episode of the May 1945 uprising in northern Constantine. Written immediately after the events, the document reflects a security-centered colonial perspective focused on restoring order and protecting European settlers.  The report details the outbreak of violence and the military response, attributing the uprising mainly to Algerian nationalist movements, particularly the Friends of the Manifesto and Liberty, while minimizing social and economic factors. It also reveals colonial fears of foreign influence and Arab nationalism. A critical reading exposes its biased and justificatory nature, emphasizing European losses while largely ignoring the systematic colonial repression that followed. Its value lies in revealing colonial discourse and mechanisms of domination when read alongside Algerian testimonies.