Augustin Bernard
La pénétration saharienne (1830-1906)
"La pénétration saharienne (1830-1906)" by Augustin Bernard and Napoléon Lacroix is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on the French exploration and colonization efforts in the Sahara, specifically detailing the attempts to penetrate the region between 1830 and 1906. It likely addresses the geographical, political, and economic factors behind these endeavors, providing insights into the motivations and challenges faced by explorers and colonial powers in the Sahara. The opening of the text introduces the Sahara as an arid region situated between Mediterranean and tropical climates, emphasizing its significance in the context of French colonial aspirations in Algeria. It discusses the early phases of exploration, beginning with France's conquest of Algeria in 1830, and highlights the initial uncertainties regarding the geography and indigenous populations of the area. Early geographical inquiries, often rooted in ancient knowledge, set the stage for scientific exploration that aimed to understand the Sahara better while addressing the political ambitions of France to establish authority and engage in commerce in these remote desert territories.