 Algeria was unique to France because, unlike all other overseas possessions acquired by France during the 19th century, only Algeria was considered and legally classified an integral part of France.Both Muslim and European Algerians took part in World War II, fighting for France.Algerian Muslims served as "tirailleurs" (such regiments were created as early as 1842) and spahis; and French settlers as Zouaves or Chasseurs d'Afrique.