The French
Having put an end to piracy in 1819, Tunisia entered a period of economic crisis and was forced to borrow heavily, mainly from French banks. Taking advantage of the demise of the Ottoman Empire in 1881, France sent its troops into the country and seized control. A period of investment followed which, whilst strengthening the infrastructure, did more for the elite and incoming Europeans than the local peasants, many of whom who forced out to the poorer areas of the country.
After a long struggle, Tunisia regained its independence on 20th March 1956 and Habib Bourguiba became Tunisia's first President.
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