How did the reaction of North Africans to European control compare to their reaction to rule by the Islamic Empire?

The reaction of North Africans to European control differed in several ways from their reaction to rule by the Islamic Empire. During the early Islamic expansion from the 7th century onwards, North Africans were integrated into a larger cultural and religious framework that had a significant transformative effect on the region's social, political, and religious landscape. Many North Africans converted to Islam and embraced the Arabic language, which became the lingua franca of administration, scholarship, and trade across the Islamic Empire.

The Islamic rule was often seen as a unifying force, providing a shared religious identity and legal framework through Sharia law. However, like all large empires, the Islamic rule had its complexities, and there were instances of local resistance and struggles for autonomy, especially as different dynasties rose and fell over the centuries.

In contrast, European control, which began to take shape in the 19th and 20th centuries during the period of New Imperialism, was often characterized by the imposition of foreign rule, with economic exploitation and cultural domination as main features. European nations like France, Italy, and Britain established colonial territories in North Africa with systems of governance that deprived the local populations of self-rule and political power. The Europeans also introduced new laws and economic structures that were aimed at benefiting the colonial powers and often disrupted existing social and economic systems.

The reaction to European control was marked by a strong resistance and a struggle for independence. There were numerous uprisings, and nationalist movements developed, seeking to end European colonialism and reclaim sovereignty. This reaction was fueled by a strong sense of alienation and resentment towards the European powers, as well as a revival of Islamic identity and solidarity, which were seen as a means to unite and mobilize the population against colonial rule.

The independence movements across North Africa were ultimately successful in the mid-20th century, leading to the end of European colonialism in the region. The decolonization process often involved prolonged conflict, such as the Algerian War of Independence against French rule.