Tunis

The formal establishment of the French protectorate over Tunisia began with the signing of the Treaty of Bardo on June 10, 1881. This treaty effectively placed Tunisia under French control, while maintaining its nominal independence under the bey. The protectorate period saw significant changes in Tunisia's political, social, and economic landscape, setting the stage for the country's later independence. The imposition of the protectorate was met with varying degrees of resistance and had long-lasting impacts on Tunisia's national identity.

The Tunisian Constitution of 1861 was promulgated on December 24, 1861, making Tunisia the first country in the Arab world to have a formal constitution. This historic document was designed to limit the powers of the bey (ruler) and establish a system of government with defined roles and responsibilities. It included a consultative assembly and a judiciary branch. Although the constitution was later suspended, it marked a pivotal moment in Tunisian history that paved the way for modern governance structures.

Operation Torch was an Allied invasion of French North Africa during World War II. On November 8, 1942, Allied forces landed in Morocco and Algeria. The objective was to gain control of North Africa and open a second front against Axis forces. The operation marked the beginning of the end for Axis control in Africa. Tunis, as the capital of Tunisia, became a strategic location during subsequent battles as Axis forces retreated to Tunisia.

On March 20, 1956, Tunisia declared its independence from France, ending over 75 years of French colonial rule. This marked a significant moment in Tunisia's history, as it transitioned to an independent nation. Habib Bourguiba became the first Prime Minister, and later the President, leading the country into modernization and reform. The independence movement was characterized by negotiations and some civil strife, but ultimately led to the peaceful transfer of power.

The Tunisian Revolution, also known as the Jasmine Revolution, began on December 17, 2010, when Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, set himself on fire in protest of police corruption and ill-treatment. His act of desperation sparked widespread protests across Tunisia against unemployment, corruption, and political repression. This uprising led to the fall of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime in January 2011 and inspired the Arab Spring movement across the Middle East and North Africa.

On January 14, 2011, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled Tunisia after 23 years in power, following mass protests and civil resistance. This marked the culmination of the Tunisian Revolution, which demanded jobs, improved living conditions, and political freedoms. Ben Ali's departure marked a turning point in Tunisia's history, leading to democratic reforms and the introduction of a new constitution. Tunisia's successful uprising encouraged similar movements in other Arab countries, also known as the Arab Spring.

On March 18, 2015, gunmen attacked the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, killing 22 people, including 20 foreign tourists. The attack was carried out by ISIS-linked militants and targeted one of Tunisia's most important cultural sites. It was a shocking event that highlighted the security challenges faced by Tunisia in the wake of the Arab Spring and ongoing regional instability. The attack also aimed to undermine Tunisia's vital tourism sector and its efforts to maintain a democratic society.

On October 9, 2015, the National Dialogue Quartet of Tunisia was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its decisive contribution to building a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution. The Quartet, composed of four key organizations, played a pivotal role in mediating political tensions and facilitating dialogue among rival political factions. This achievement is viewed as a milestone in Tunisia's democratic journey and an inspirational example for other countries in transition.

On November 24, 2015, a suicide bomber attacked a Tunisian presidential guard bus in the heart of the capital, Tunis, killing 12 security personnel. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group and was part of a series of assaults targeting Tunisia's security forces and civilians. It highlighted ongoing security challenges and the threat of extremism in Tunisia as the country continued to work towards maintaining its political stability and democratic transition after the Arab Spring.

On October 13, 2019, Tunisia held its second free presidential election since the 2011 revolution that toppled long-time ruler Ben Ali. The election was won by political outsider and constitutional law professor Kais Saied, who secured more than 70% of the vote. This peaceful and democratic transfer of power signified Tunisia's continued commitment to democratic processes and reforms. Kais Saied's election reflected popular demand for change and a break from traditional political elites.