The founding FLN leaders were young literate artisans who rejected liberal gradualism for violence

Evidence

In 1954 the average age of these neuf historiques was thirty-two (Didouche, the youngest, was only twenty-seven); they originated from all parts of Algeria; all were literate, though they came mostly from modestly-off artisan or middle-class families. None was an évolué intellectual, or liberal — let alone a supporter of Ferhat Abbas. All were dedicated revolutionaries, holding violence to be indispensable. — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 236

Categorization

• XREF: Connects directly to how the French Revolution’s idea was ‘fought back’ — these men reject the évolué/assimilationist path (Abbas) in favor of armed revolt.
• DEFINE: Establishes the demographic profile of the neuf historiques, the core nine founders of the FLN.