The soldier-politician Bertrand Clauzel and others, soon after the conquest of Algiers, had formed a company to acquire agricultural land and, despite official discouragement, to subsidize its settlement by European farmers, triggering a land rush.

Clauzel had recognized the farming potential of the Mitidja Plain and envisions the production here of cotton on a large scale.

As governor general from 1835 to 1836, he is using his office to make private investments in land and has encouraged army officers and bureaucrats in his administration to do the same.

Government officials are thus keen to promote greater French involvement in Algeria.

Commercial interests with influence in the government also begin to recognize the prospects for profitable land speculation in expanding the French zone of occupation.

They create large agricultural tracts, build factories and businesses, and exploit cheap local labor.